'Chai pe Crochet' for Modi in UK

London, Nov 14: A colourful crochet blanket made by over 4,000 diaspora women was today presented to Prime Minister Modi on the final day of his maiden UK visit under a 'Chai pe Crochet' initiative.

The "unique" large-scale blanket made up of more than 2,500 squares of crochet created by Indian women across the UK in their own individual styles was undertaken by the Indian Ladies in UK (ILU) group, that claims to have almost 5,000 Indian women mostly 1st generation immigrants from India as members.

"More than 4000 Diaspora women created this colourful crochet to highlight India's diversity and gender issues," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a photograph of Modi being presented the colourful crochet - a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a textured fabric by means of a hooked needle.

On its Facebook page, Poonam Joshi who founded the group said the project "represents our unity as well as our gender, which is especially pertinent given Mr Modi's stance on the issue of Female Empowerment. "The squares represent our individuality as Indians whilst the end product represents our Unity in Diversity," she said.

PTI