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India Showcases Namoh 108 Lotus, Brass Buddha and Banarasi Silk for Vietnam Visit

The curated gifts signal a soft-power push rooted in craft, science, shared spiritual symbols.

Overview

  • During the three-day state visit that ended Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Vietnam’s President To Lam with a curated set of gifts.
  • The Namoh 108 is a lotus variety from NBRI in Lucknow engineered to have 108 petals, a number revered in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, with a name drawn from a Sanskrit salutation.
  • A brass Buddha from Moradabad depicts the Buddha in Abhaya Mudra below a Bodhi-tree-inspired halo, reflecting the city’s long brassworking tradition.
  • A Banarasi silk fabric from Varanasi was selected to suit Vietnam’s traditional áo dài, linking Indian textile craft with Vietnamese dress.
  • State hospitality featured GI-tagged specialties such as Silao Khaja, Gaya anarsa, Mithila makhana, Hajipur Malbhog bananas, Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes and millet bars to showcase regional diversity.