Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti presented PM Narendra Modi with a painting of Varanasi during his visit to Italy. This gift reflected Tomassetti’s long admiration for Indian culture.
PM Modi shared the moment on X, calling the painting “a glimpse of Kashi in Rome.” He praised the artist’s decades of work with Indian traditions and Vedic culture. Tomassetti began illustrating books on Vedic culture in the 1980s. He also created 23 large paintings related to the Mahabharata from 2008 to 2013.
Modi get Varanasi Painting Gift
Earlier, PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Rome. The event featured cultural performances and Indian classical music. It highlighted the growing cultural ties between India and Italy. PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora in Italy, saying he was touched by their warm reception.
He noted, “Their deep affection for India and commitment to strengthening India-Italy ties are truly commendable. The Indian diaspora continues to make our nation proud across the world,” in a post on X.
Reflects admiration for Indian culture
The community reception included performances of Indian classical dance forms such as Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Bharatanatyam by Italian artists. Indian classical music was also significant at the event, featuring five Italian musicians performing the Hamsadhwaniraag with traditional Indian instruments.
PM Modi praised the performers, Valerio Bruni on Santoor, Leo Vertunni on Sitar, Simone Mattiello and Nicolo Mellochi on Bansuri, and Francesco Gherardi on Tabla, acknowledging the rising popularity of Indian music in Italy.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the enthusiastic reception by the Indian community showed their strong emotional ties to India. He added that the performances highlighted the richness of India’s artistic and musical heritage and the increasing cultural engagement between the two countries.
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