Saran Sasikumar, a grade nine student of New Indian Model School in Dubai had made a six-layered stencil portrait of Modi as a tribute to mark the Indian Republic Day that fell on January 26. He got a letter of appreciation from Mr. Narendra Modi saying that his drawing portrays his love and affection for the nation.
Saran handed over the portrait to Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V. Muraleedharan during his UAE visit in January to be gifted to Modi. After receiving the portrait, Mr. Modi sent him a letter thanking him and appreciating his creativity and encouraging him to excel in arts and academics.
A scanned copy of the letter dated February 18 was emailed by the Prime Minister’s Office. In the letter, Modi acknowledged receiving “the beautiful portrait” sent by Saran and extended “heartfelt gratitude” for sending him the creative work.
“Art is an effective medium to express our innermost thoughts and emotions and connect our imagination to creativity. The portrait drawn by you reflects your undying commitment and dedication to painting, as well as your love and affection for the nation,” the Prime Minister opined.
He stated that Saran’s work highlighted his keen observation and understanding of the nuances of painting. “I am sure that you will take your artistic skills to higher levels of excellence in the years to come. May you continue to draw many more beautiful portraits and at the same time, excel in the academic sphere. Best wishes for a bright and successful future,” Modi added before concluding the letter with his signature.
After receiving the letter, Saran and his family were jubilant and stated that he was a fan of Indian prime minister Mr. Narendra Modi and it was a very big achievement for him. He also shared his reply to the PMO, thanking Modi for the gesture and expressing his desire to meet him one day. “I am deeply honoured and grateful for your touching response and kind words. As an artist, there is no greater privilege than to receive a compliment from you and as a proud Indian, I too hope to be able to contribute to the nation in whatever way I can in the future. This letter brings a lot of joy and pride to me and also for my family,” Saran wrote.
Saran has started painting his six layered stencil portraits since the home stay period of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. He has completed 100 portraits till now. For the 100th portrait he choose a family picture of his parents along with his brother and him as a token of his affection for his family.
Saran also expressed his gratitude to his art teacher Krishnanand M, who said that Modi’s letter to Saran is a great achievement for the school as well as the art department.