Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with two silk stoles from Northeast India during a recent meeting. The gifts, featuring an Eri silk stole from Assam and a Shirui Lily stole from Manipur, served as a gesture of cultural diplomacy between the two nations.
The Eri silk stole is a sustainable textile known as the golden silk of Assam. It is produced in the Brahmaputra Valley without the use of artificial dyes. This fabric is prized for its natural luster and extreme durability, which grows more prominent over time. Its focus on natural craftsmanship aligns with Italy’s historical reputation for luxury textile production.
The second gift, the Shirui Lily silk stole, draws inspiration from a rare flower found exclusively on the Shirui Kashong Peak in Manipur. For the local Tangkhul Naga community, the lily is a symbol of cultural identity and pride. The flower also shares a connection with Italy, as it has appeared as a motif of grace and purity in Renaissance art throughout history. By choosing these items, the Prime Minister highlighted a shared appreciation for refined artistry and indigenous tradition.
Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday

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