Kutchi gifts being wrapped up for Clinton Wednesday, April 4, 2001
BHUJ, Kutch: When citizen William Jefferson Clinton returns to his homeland after visiting this part of Gujarat, Kutch might find a place in the drawing room of the Clintons.
Some small gifts are being wrapped for the former president of USA. While it is not known whether citizen Clinton will taste the Gujarati fafda along with his tea, it is quite sure that Hillary and Chelsea would be getting a piece of Kutch.
For Hillary Clinton, Kutch is sending hand made silk cushion covers and wall piece with exquisite embroidery work by Kutchi artisans while daughter Chelsa is getting a small embroidered handbag with intricate designs. The stylish Mr Clinton, however, is not getting the traditional Kutchi outfit. Instead he will be given three books on life, people and culture of Kutch - something that is likely to get a prominent berth in the house of Clintons.
"We thought this would be liked by the Clintons. Books are for Mr Clinton while the rest of the things are for his family. It's beautiful kutchi work and according to us goes down well with Hilary and Chelsa's choice. We hope they like it", says Kutch district collector Anil Mukim.
He had sent students of National Institute of Designing scouting for the appropriate 'gift' to Mr Clinton. After an exhaustive look at handicraft outlets in town, the gifts were picked up from 'Srujan' in Bhujodi.
"The material, colour scheme and the work done on it is elegant, rich and at the same time simple and ethnic. The embroidery, an art where Kutchis specialize, is intricate and very colourful. We are sure this would be liked by Mr Bill Clinton and his family", says NID students' Praveen Mishra and Partho Chakravarthy.
However, Mr Clinton is likely to miss on the famous Kutchi woolen Shawl made in handloom industries here that till the January 26 earth quake were flourishing. In fact, one of the senior bureaucrats from Gandhinagar had called up to check whether the 'Kutchi Shawl' is a part of the gift.
Locals in Bhuj, still not completely recovered from January 26 tragedy, willingly suggests about the kind of welcome and gifts that the former president of United States should be presented. "Mehman Bhagwan ne saman hoe chhee emne agta swagta ma koi kasar na rakhay (Guest is like a God, we should do all that is possible to make him happy)", says Zullesh Mehta, a local here. "I feel that he should be give our traditional Kutchi food. I am sure he would like it more than the Indian kebabs that he is so fond of", Mehta says.
The administration, however, says that the reception, presentation and even the luncheon would be simple. "We have not flown
in any special dishes from outside. What we are offering him is all simple and ethnic things", Mukim said.
But many here feel that it won't be a surprise if Billy actually tastes a dabili (a kind of spicy peanuts sandwich) or buys a small piece of cloth with mirror work and embroidery for Chelsea.
Click here to comment on this Article(Total comments=0)
