During his recent visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen wearing a traditional Hmar puan (shawl/scarf), a gesture that has drawn attention and pride among the Hmar community and Mizos across the State.
The attire was worn during a diplomatic meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “It was a unique gesture. Every Hmar and every Mizo is proud about it,” said local educationist Lalrinawma.
Several residents shared that seeing the Prime Minister wear traditional Hmar clothing abroad was emotionally significant. A social worker from Aizawl noted, “I am not sure whether this will influence politics, but Modi’s gesture has touched many people deeply—some openly, and others quietly.”
To mark the occasion, the BJP Mizoram unit organized a small gathering at Atal Bhawan in Aizawl on Monday, 2 March. Party leaders spoke about India-Israel relations and highlighted Modi’s diplomatic engagements, including his address to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and the award of the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, Israel’s highest parliamentary honor.
While the political implications of such gestures may be debated, the moment was widely seen as cultural recognition for the Hmar community and a sign of appreciation for Mizoram’s tribal heritage on an international stage. (Reported by Nirendra Dev; Edited and framed by MT)