From Ayurveda to handloom: PM showcases India's culture at G7 through curated gifts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India's rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices through a carefully curated selection of gifts presented to world leaders during the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France.

The gifts included Ramban Honey from Jammu and Kashmir, Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya, Nagauri Ashwagandha from Rajasthan and a handwoven Banarasi silk stole from Uttar Pradesh. Together, the items reflected India's diverse cultural traditions, indigenous products and centuries-old craftsmanship.

RAMBAN HONEY

Ramban Honey, sourced from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its distinct flavour and nutritional value derived from the region's rich Himalayan flora. Produced by local beekeepers using traditional methods, the honey is widely valued in Ayurveda and traditional wellness systems for its natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds.

LAKADONG TURMERIC

Lakadong Turmeric, cultivated in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills, is renowned for its exceptionally high curcumin content. The Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged product has gained recognition for its quality and health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The turmeric is also considered a symbol of sustainable farming practices followed by local communities.

NAGAURI ASHWAGANDHA

Another GI-tagged product, Nagauri Ashwagandha, originates from Rajasthan's Nagaur district and is regarded as one of the finest varieties of the medicinal herb. Widely used in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is associated with improving vitality, immunity and overall well-being. Its cultivation supports rural livelihoods while highlighting India's traditional medicinal heritage.

BANARASI SILK STOLE

The Banarasi silk stole, woven by artisans in Varanasi, represented India's celebrated textile tradition. Known for its intricate zari work and detailed motifs, Banarasi silk remains one of the country's most prestigious handloom products and a symbol of enduring craftsmanship.

THEKUA

PM Modi also presented Thekua, a traditional delicacy from Bihar and Jharkhand to Slovakia's Speaker Richard Rai. Thekua is prepared using wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, ghee and fennel seeds. Closely associated with the Chhath festival, the sweet snack is known for its rustic flavour, long shelf life and deep cultural significance, symbolising the rich culinary heritage and festive traditions of eastern India.

THE SUMMIT SAW WORLD'S TOP LEADERS COMING TOGETHER

The summit brought together several global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, among others.

Following the summit, Prime Minister Modi described his engagements in Evian as productive, saying India had shared its perspectives on global governance and development while emphasising the importance of cooperation with the Global South.

During a dedicated session on artificial intelligence, Modi also underlined India's commitment to ethical and human-centric AI development and called for ensuring that the benefits of emerging technologies are accessible to developing nations.

- Ends

With ANI inputs