In a significant meeting held in New Delhi on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an exquisite and spiritually significant gift: a detailed replica of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, meticulously crafted in the traditional gulabi meenakari art form.
A Masterpiece of Art and Devotion
The intricate replica was the creation of master craftsman Kunj Bihari Singh, who undertook the project to mark the historic consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The artwork is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, utilizing 2 kilograms of silver and gold, with diamonds carefully embedded into the structure to enhance its grandeur.
Notably, the creation process itself was imbued with spiritual symbolism. The replica was assembled from 108 individual parts, a number deeply revered in Sanatan tradition. The entire crafting period also spanned 108 days, during which artisans chanted the Ram dhun, infusing the piece with devotional energy.
Symbolic Design Elements and Global Recognition
The replica is rich with symbolic design features that reflect its sacred inspiration. These include a golden depiction of Lord Ram, elegant lotus motifs, and the symbolic bow and arrow. Diamonds adorn the four spires (shikharas) of the miniature temple, and an internal lighting arrangement illuminates the artwork from within, bringing its details to life.
This presentation also highlighted the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been instrumental in promoting gulabi meenakari under this initiative, providing crucial institutional support to the skilled artisans of Kashi (Varanasi). This art form has now become a global ambassador for the 'Vocal for Local' vision.
Gulabi Meenakari on the World Stage
The global appeal of gulabi meenakari was previously demonstrated when Prime Minister Modi himself presented a finely crafted gulabi meenakari chess set to the then US Vice President, Kamala Harris, during his visit to the United States in 2021.
Furthering its reach, CM Yogi also presented other gulabi meenakari artworks to dignitaries and prominent personalities. The recipients included Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, South Indian film superstar Rajinikanth, and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, showcasing this traditional Indian art form across diverse fields.
The gift symbolizes more than just political courtesy; it represents a confluence of deep faith, unparalleled indigenous craftsmanship, and a successful model of economic empowerment for traditional artisans through government schemes like ODOP.
