Canvas of Culture: PM Modi Paints a Picture of Friendship with Croatian Prez

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India's cultural heritage during his first visit to Croatia by gifting President Zoran Milanović a traditional Odisha Pattachitra painting. The gesture, as part of a set of hand-crafted gifts to Croatian leaders, indicates India's commitment in cultural diplomacy and the promotion of its cultural heritage across the globe.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠The Pattachitra painting, whose title has been taken from "patta" (cloth) and "chitra" (picture), is an old Odisha painting that is renowned for its elaborate, colored illustrations of mythological stories—especially of Lord Krishna and the Jagannath tradition.

 

•⁠  ⁠Crafted using natural colors and hand-painted brushes, these delicate paintings are traditionally produced in India's Odisha village of Raghurajpur and passed down from generation to generation as a symbol of spirituality, storytelling, and art.

 

•⁠  ⁠The gift was presented on Modi's historic first-ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime Minister, a new milestone in India-Croatia relations and the promise of stronger cultural and economic links.

 

•⁠  ⁠Odisha politicians and artists welcomed the gesture, saying that it gives international recognition to Odia Asmita (identity) and encourages Odia artists.

 

Prospect: PM Modi's selection of Pattachitra is not just a celebration of India's spiritual and artistic traditions but also provides cultural bridges in Croatia. International appreciation of this kind is most likely to promote tourism, demand for Indian handicrafts, and pride among artisan communities.

 

Source: News18, Tribune India, Times of India, NDTV