Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted the Slovakian Parliament speaker, Richard Raši, a traditional delicacy, ‘thekua’, during his recent visit there. PM Modi also presented him the Susruta Samhita, a foundational ancient Ayurvedic text attributed to the physician Susruta and considered one of the earliest and most important works on surgery.Earlier, PM Modi gifted Bihar’s famous Madhubani painting to Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel and to South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung last year.CM Samrat Choudhary said ‘Thekua’ is a symbol of the earthy aroma of Bihar’s soil and rich cultural heritage. “It is now carving a niche for itself on the global stage today. It is a moment of pride for all of us in Bihar that PM Modi presented Bihar’s beloved thekua to the Slovak Speaker Richard Raši,” he stated, adding, “This is not merely a gift; it is a global tribute to Bihar’s glorious traditions, cultural richness, and warmth. Under PM Modi’s leadership, local heritage is gaining global recognition, and the sweetness of Bihar is reaching hearts across the world.”BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi said the presentation of thekua to Richard Raši by PM Modi is a moment of pride and deep emotion for the entire state of Bihar. In a statement issued on Friday, he noted that thekua is revered as “Mahaprasad” (sacred offering) during the grand festival of Chhath. “It is not merely a sweet or an offering, but a vibrant symbol of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, folk faith, and traditions. Once confined to local villages and the Chhath festival, thekua is now establishing itself as an identity for Bihar on the global stage,” he said.The warmth with which the PM presented thekua to the foreign dignitary clearly demonstrates his continuous efforts to bring global recognition and respect to India’s diverse cultural traditions and local heritage, he added.JD(U) national working president and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha said PM Modi has once again showcased the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Bihar to the world. “For us, thekua is not merely a dish; it is a symbol of folk tradition, faith, and cultural pride. It is impossible to even imagine Chhath Puja—the grand festival of folk faith—without it. It is a matter of pride for all of us Biharis that this unique identity of Bihar is receiving recognition on the global stage,” he said.
