Qamar Mohsin Shaikh, a Pakistani woman of Indian origin, has been sending a rakhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi every year for the past 27 years. This year, she is also sending him a handmade rakhi. "This time I have made the 'Rakhi' myself. I will also gift him (PM Modi) a book on agriculture as he is fond of reading. For the last 2-3 years I was unable to go due to Covid but this time I will meet him in person," Shaikh said.
Shaikh said that she sends the rakhi to Modi as a symbol of her love and respect for him. She also hopes that the rakhi will bring him good luck and success in his political career.
“I wish him a happy Raksha Bandhan. I pray for him every day for his good health and long life. I believe that all my wishes come true. Earlier when I prayed for him to be the Chief Minister of Gujarat and he became. Whenever I tied the Rakhi, I used to express my desire for him to become the Prime Minister. His response was always affirmative, saying that all your wishes will be fulfilled by God. He is doing commendable work for the country,” she added.
Shaikh and Modi met in the early 1990s when her husband was the guest of BJP senior leader and MP, Dilip Sanghani. Sanghani being an MP had a government house. Shaikh and her husband were invited to stay there for a few days. During their stay, they met Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
This year, Shaikh has made a handmade rakhi for Modi. She has used red and green thread and has decorated it with beads and sequins. She has also written a message of love and peace on the rakhi.
Shaikh was impressed by Modi's simplicity and humility. She felt a connection with him and decided to send him a rakhi the following year. Modi has accepted her rakhis every year since then.
Modi has not yet responded to Shaikh's rakhi. However, he has previously spoken about the importance of Raksha Bandhan. He has said that it is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, and that it is a reminder of our duty to protect those we love.
It is a heartwarming gesture by Shaikh to send a rakhi to Modi, especially in the current political climate. It is a reminder that even though India and Pakistan are two different countries, there are still people who care about each other and want to build bridges of peace.
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