Bengaluru, Jan 19 (IANS) US President Barrack Obama will receive Karnataka's famous Channapatna toys as a special gift from the state government on the Republic Day in New Delhi, a senior official said Monday.
"The state government is gifting Obama a few Channapatna toys through the external affairs ministry on the Republic Day as a token of our affection to him and his family," state information department director N.R. Vishukumar told IANS here.
Obama, who is visiting India for the second time from Jan 24, will be the chief guest at the national parade Jan 26.
Crafted by skilled men and women artisans of Channapatna town in Ramanagara district, about 60 km from here, the traditional toys and dolls made of special wood in colours are protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Though the state government wants to present the toys to Obama directly through its representative, in view of the tight security and for protocol reasons, they will be given to him through the external affairs ministry after the Republic Day parade.
"We are also gifting Obama an official calendar depicting the art of making these toys by Channapatna artisans. He will get to see some of the popular toys and dolls displayed on our state tableau participating in the Republic Day Parade," Vishukumar said.
The artisans use ivory wood of a special tree grown in the old Mysore region of the state for making the toys and dolls, which are also exported worldwide.
"Our tableau, with the Channapatna toys as its theme, will have 30 giant-sized toys, including an abacus, a girl astride a horse, swan and an engine that were made by the local artisans in the toy town," Vishukumar added.
The origins of Channapatna toys dates back to the reign of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century when he invited artisans from Persia to train the locals in making toys using ivory wood, rose wood and sandal wood.
During Obama's first visit to India in November 2010, his wife, US First Lady Michelle bought a few Channapatna's colourful toys worth Rs.2,000 ($25 then) at the National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum in New Delhi.
Be ready for 6 big changes in November, if there is a setback then there will also be a chance to earn
The month of November is about to begin. In this new month, many big changes related to your everyday life are going to happen. One of these changes is that can increase the burden on your pocket.
ICC ODI Rankings: King Kohli makes his mark, climbs to number two in ODI batsmen rankings, Hitman retains top spot.
Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has once again demonstrated his dominance in ODI cricket. India continues to hold sway in the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen. Kohli has climbed to the second position
Budget Session 2023: PM will reply to President's address today, BJP MP demands action on Rahul Gandhi
The discussion began on Tuesday after a deadlock continued during the budget session of Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the central government during the discussion. He attacked
Biparjoy: Weather hits flights, fury among people; Alert in six districts of Saurashtra-Kutch
Once again the threat of cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy' is looming large in the coastal areas. If the Meteorological Department is to be believed, Biparjoy has taken an even more terrifying form tomorrow.
Covid 19: Corona virus reaches navy personnel in Mumbai, 21 jawans found positive
New Delhi: Corona virus infection that is wreaking havoc in the country has now reached the Indian Navy. 21 naval corona positives have been found in the Naval Complex in Mumbai. All of them are being
265,840 cases pending in Himachal courts
Shimla, March 16 (IANS) Justice is still a distant cry in Himachal Pradesh, as 265,840 cases are still pending in the high court and lower courts.In a written reply to BJP member Suresh Bhardwaj,
Karnataka to tackle Bengaluru infrastructure woes
Bengaluru, Feb 2 (IANS) The Karnataka government is taking measures to tackle the various problems of Bengaluru, especially its infrastructure and waste disposal, Governor Vajubhai Vala said
IND vs PAK: 'There are a lot of weaknesses...' Wasim Akram slams Pakistan team after losing two consecutive matches to India
Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram has strongly criticized the Pakistan team after their defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four. Akram categorically stated that Team India
Kerala elections: PM Modi said this while referring to Jesus Christ
Palakkad: Addressing an election rally in Palakkad today, ahead of the assembly elections on 6 April in Kerala, the ruling Left Front coalition attacked the LDF. Referring to the alleged gold
A bumper discount is available on iPhone 13 and 14 in this platform's cell, this is how you will get the benefit
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: Republic Sale has started on Amazon and Flipkart. This sale is running on Flipkart under the name of Big Saving Days Sale. This cell is going to run till 20 January 2023. Great
