 | « Back to article | Print this article |
A charkha for US President Obama, 100 Benarasi sarees for the First Lady and more! India is showering the couple with gifts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday presented United States President Barack Obama the original copy of the first telegram from US to India's Constituent assembly.
The telegram, which had been sent by former US secretary of state Dean Acheson to the Provisional Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Dr Sachchidananda Sinha in 1950 congratulating India for creating its Constitution.
The telegram stated, "The sincere good wishes of the United States Government and of the people of the United States for a successful conclusion of the great task you are about to undertake. India has a great contribution to make to the peace, stability, and cultural advancement of mankind, and your deliberations will be watched with deep interest and hope by freedom loving people throughout the entire world."
Earlier in the day, President Obama visited Rajghat. Here was presented with a replica of the charkha, books of Mahatma Gandhi and a bust. Obama was presented a charkha even during his earlier visit to India in 2010.
For First Lady Michella Obama, the weavers from Kashi have woven over 100 Benarasi sarees. Each of them is likely to cost anything between Rs 50,0000 to a few lakhs.
The gift is believed to be on a special request from Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his constituency.
The US president and First Lady arrived in New Delhi on Sunday morning for a three-day visit.
Rediff recommends:
'I wasn't nervous:' Wing Commander Pooja Thakur
We dare the Obamas to do 7 things only Indians can
The most crucial defence issue that Modi-Obama need to discuss
'Obama's visit honours India's Constitution, military might'