Obama in India: Gifts galore await the US couple

NEW DELHI: It's likely that Banarasi silk sari, designer handloom garments and other Indian dresses will find their way into the Obamas' wardrobe after their second India visit this weekend.

While the textiles ministry plans to gift special designer handloom clothing to the US first couple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to be keen to gift Banarasi saris to Michelle Obama.

"We have not got the clearances (from the US Embassy) yet but we are hopeful that we will be able to present President Obama with a uniquely crafted handloom item," said S K Panda, the union textiles secretary, who met representatives of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Cottage Industries Corporation Of India a few days ago to discuss various options. Finally, the ministry wanted to create three designer dresses each for Barack and Michelle Obama.

Sunil Sethi, president at FDCI, said the council has not been able to proceed with the project yet "because of the lack of time and precise information on what exactly needs to be created".

According to people in the know of the development, designers Rohit Bal and Ritu Kumar are both separately designing dresses for the Obamas. Whether they were doing this on their individual capacity or they have been commissioned by the government was unclear.

Both designers refused to share any details.

"I am doing something, but cannot talk about it," said Kumar, who is already working with the Modi-led government for skill development in the handloom sector.

Meanwhile, there are reports about Modi's plan to gift Banarasi saris to Michelle Obama.

Even the weaver community of Banaras, which is also Modi's parliamentary constituency, is reportedly planning to offer an exquisite 'kimkhab' fabric to the US first lady.

"Presenting Banarasi handmade saris, fabric and dresses would be an ideal representation of India," said Rajni Kant, director of Human Welfare Association — the organisation instrumental in getting Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Banarasi sari and brocade. "I know a few products are being made in Banaras for the President's visit," he added.