Modi's Surprising Gift to G20 Leaders: Unveiling the Unexpected Symbolism

Narendra Modi's decision to present hand spun scarves to world leaders in New Delhi on Sunday had deep historical and symbolic significance for the Indian prime minister. Through this gesture, Modi aimed to bring attention to India's freedom movement on the global stage.

As the leaders of the G20 nations arrived at the Rajghat memorial, dedicated to Mohandas K. Gandhi, who is revered as the father of India's independence, they were warmly received with khadi scarves. These scarves hold great importance as they symbolize Gandhi's non-violent resistance movement, which played a pivotal role in securing India's freedom from British colonial rule.

Modi draped the handwoven off-white cotton material around the necks of various prominent individuals, including US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This action took place in front of a backdrop of the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, which was one of the many residences Gandhi occupied throughout India.

For Gandhi, a symbol of peace and non-violence known globally, khadi scarves represented self-reliance. These clothing items could be produced locally by Indians, serving as a means to boycott imported or British-made products during India's colonial rule.

The demonstration of their industrial growth empowered Indians, leading them to be less reliant on their former colonial rulers. Gandhi frequently spun his own khadi clothing using a charkha, a symbol of the nation's liberation in both political and economic aspects.

World leaders gathered in silence at Rajghat on Sunday, each wearing a scarf around their necks, as they stood before a raised marble platform. This platform was constructed to commemorate the location of Gandhi's cremation.

"On X, previously referred to as Twitter, Modi expressed, 'As nations with diverse backgrounds come together, Gandhi Ji's timeless principles serve as the guiding force for our united vision of a harmonious, inclusive, and prosperous global future.'"

President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and President Joe Biden of the United States paid their respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi on September 10, 2023.

Gandhi's legacy has deeply influenced Indian culture, leaving an enduring impact within the country. His image graces every Indian rupee note, while numerous buildings, museums, streets, and landmarks bear his name.

Despite Modi's effort to include Gandhi in the G20 summit this weekend, the legacy of the freedom fighter within his own Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains complex. The BJP traces its origins back to the Rashtriya Swayam Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu-nationalist organization which Modi is affiliated with.

The RSS subscribes to Hindutva, an ideology that supports the Hindu majority in the country and promotes the establishment of a Hindu state, contrary to the secular state envisioned and established by Gandhi.

At the time of India's independence from British rule in 1947, Hindu nationalists with right-wing views called for the division of British India into two separate nations: India with a Hindu majority and Pakistan with a Muslim majority. In contrast, Gandhi opposed the partition of the country and advocated for a united India that respected all religions.

Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a former member of the RSS, less than a year later. Recently, there has been a rise in a fringe movement that venerates the assassin, attempting to reshape his image as a Hindu nationalist symbol. Concurrently, the BJP and its followers have faced allegations of undermining the influence of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's inaugural prime minister, who was both a devoted admirer and ally of Gandhi.

Modi has denounced the worship of Godse and consistently expressed admiration and reverence towards Gandhi, both within and beyond the borders of India. However, politicians from the opposition criticized the memorial service held on Sundays, alleging a hypocritical stance from Modi.

The newly formed INDIA alliance, a coalition of political parties aiming to remove Modi in the upcoming general election, posted a message on social media calling for all RSS-BJP workers to view a video depicting the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse. They accused the workers of spreading false information about Gandhi and stated that their actions demonstrate a deep-seated animosity towards him, as well as an ongoing attempt to downplay his significant contributions by spreading lies.