LUCKNOW, Jan 5: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi a magnificent replica of Shri Ram temple crafted in ‘Gulabi Meenakari’ during a meeting in the national Capital.
This gesture went far beyond protocol, emerging as a powerful cultural message that brought together the traditional craftsmanship of Kashi, Sanatan faith and the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’.
The Gulabi Meenakari replica of the Ram temple, prepared by master craftsman Kunj Bihari Singh on the occasion of the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, represents the highest expression of this traditional art form.
The artwork has been created using 2 kg of silver and gold, with diamonds also embedded in the structure. The replica consists of 108 individual parts and was completed over a period of 108 days. Throughout its creation, continuous chanting of Ram Dhun was carried out for all 108 days.
The symbolic design elements include a golden depiction of Shri Ram, lotus motifs and the bow and arrow, diamonds embedded on the four spires and an internal lighting arrangement. Together, these elements vividly reflect the spiritual significance of the number 108 in Sanatan tradition.
The journey of Gulabi Meenakari from receiving the GI tag to becoming part of the One District One Product scheme marks a significant milestone in its evolution.
The GI tag officially recognized its originality and unique identity. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath included Gulabi Meenakari under the ODOP scheme, providing institutional support to artisans of Kashi.
Through structured training, design innovation, government exhibitions and protocol gifting, this traditional art received access to new markets and renewed prestige. As a result, Gulabi Meenakari has moved beyond being a local craft and has emerged as a strong brand identity of Uttar Pradesh.
Gulabi Meenakari has also become a global face of the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have positioned this craft as an effective instrument of cultural diplomacy.
During his visit to the United States in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Gulabi Meenakari chess set to the then US Vice President Kamala Harris.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also presented Gulabi Meenakari artworks to India’s Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, South Indian film superstar Rajinikanth and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
These initiatives have not only increased national and international demand for the craft, but have also contributed meaningfully to women empowerment and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by providing training and livelihood opportunities to a large number of women.
Gulabi Meenakari was introduced to India in the 16th century and gradually became an integral part of Kashi’s identity. The colours used in this art are prepared from metal oxides, and the Meenakari work is done exclusively on pure silver and gold.
The process involves firing at temperatures of around 800 degrees Celsius, making it highly complex and labour intensive. For centuries, artisan families have preserved and passed on this tradition, which continues to thrive today in a refined and contemporary form.
Overall, Gulabi Meenakari has journeyed from the narrow lanes of Kashi to the global stage, emerging as a distinctive symbol of India’s cultural heritage.
(UNI)
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