Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a special cultural moment from his visit to Rome after meeting Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, whose artwork beautifully captured the spirit of Kashi. Calling it “A glimpse of Kashi in Rome,” PM Modi posted pictures of the interaction on social media, highlighting the deep cultural connection reflected through art.
During the meeting, Tomassetti presented the Prime Minister with a painting depicting the iconic ghats of Varanasi, popularly known as Kashi, one of India’s holiest cities. The artwork showcased the spiritual charm and vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city, bringing a piece of India to Italy. PM Modi appreciated the painter’s long-standing admiration for Indian culture and traditions.
In his post, PM Modi noted that Tomassetti’s connection with Indian heritage spans more than four decades. The artist reportedly began illustrating books based on Vedic culture in the 1980s and later worked on a series of large paintings inspired by the Mahabharata between 2008 and 2013. The Prime Minister praised the artist’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Indian civilisation through his work.
Speaking about the meeting, Tomassetti described it as one of the most memorable experiences of his life. He said PM Modi warmly interacted with him, asked about the time taken to create the artwork, and appreciated the effort behind it. The artist explained that the painting of Varanasi symbolised a cultural bridge between Italy and India, reflecting his deep admiration for India’s traditions and spirituality.
The interaction took place during PM Modi’s visit to Rome, where he also held discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.
