New Delhi, May 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson exchanged special gifts in the presence of Crown Princess Victoria, commemorating the deep cultural and intellectual ties between India and Sweden, as well as honoring the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore.
During this significant event, both leaders presented each other with mementos to pay tribute to the shared cultural heritage associated with the Nobel laureate.
The gifts included a box from the Swedish Prime Minister containing two copies of Tagore’s writings, along with a small note and a photograph of Tagore taken during his visit to Uppsala University in Sweden in 1921. These original documents were recently discovered in Sweden’s National Archives, showcasing Tagore’s writings from his visits in 1921 and 1926.
In return, Prime Minister Modi gifted a collection of Tagore’s works and a specially handcrafted bag from Santiniketan, featuring designs chosen by Tagore to promote local artisans. This bag symbolizes the idea that art should not be confined to museums but should be a part of everyday life.
Although Gurudev Tagore could not travel to Sweden to receive the Nobel Prize in 1913, he was warmly welcomed by King Gustav V during his visit in 1921. This exchange of gifts reflects the profound cultural and intellectual relationship between India and Sweden and pays homage to Tagore’s enduring legacy, coinciding with the centenary of his historic visit in 1926.