CM presents PM Modi with unique GI-crafted artwork featuring Shivling, Nandi and Trishul

Varanasi, Aug 25 : On the holy occasion of Shravan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the MP of Varanasi, was presented with a unique artwork by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during his visit to Kashi. The piece was crafted using GI-registered Banaras metal repousse craft and beautifully combined three GI crafts of Kashi – metal repousse, Meenakari, and metal casting.

Padma Shri awardee and GI expert Dr. Rajni Kant shared details about the unique gift presented to PM Narendra Modi. The artwork, 18 inches tall and 15 inches wide, was placed on a Meenakari-crafted base. It featured a Shivling inside an Argha, a five-hooded serpent, Nandi, offerings, a Kalash filled with Ganga water, a Trishul, and Chandan Bhasma. The piece was created by metal artisans Anil Kasera and Raghunath Kasera, along with Meenakari artist Arun Kumar Verma, after a week of continuous work under the guidance of GI experts, themed around the holy month of Shravan.

Dr. Rajni Kant said the artwork reflects Kashi’s rich craft heritage and the strength of GI products. On this occasion, PM Modi encouraged artisans and weavers of Kashi’s silk and Bhadohi carpets with a call to promote “Swadeshi and Local to Global.” He emphasized GI as a legal recognition of local identity and urged concrete steps for its preservation and promotion. The artisan community expressed pride, calling it a significant step towards showcasing Kashi’s art and culture on the global stage.