For nearly three decades, a woman of Pakistani descent has been sending handcrafted rakhis to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her name is Qamar Mohsin Shaikh, and though she was born in Karachi, Pakistan, she has been living in Ahmedabad, India, after marrying Mohsin Shaikh.
What makes this tradition special is that Qamar personally creates the rakhis each year. She crafts several but always chooses the best one to send to PM Modi. This year, she selected a rakhi adorned with the sacred ‘OM’ symbol, reflecting both devotion and cultural heritage.
Her connection with the Prime Minister dates back to his early days as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Their first meeting was brief—Modi simply asked how she was—but that moment sparked a lasting sibling-like bond. Since then, Qamar has either tied the rakhi on his wrist personally or sent it to him every year, a gesture she holds close to her heart.
Their bond deepened further when Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. During a rakhi meeting, he smiled and told Qamar that her wish had come true. When asked what she wished for next, she expressed her hope that he would become the Prime Minister of India. That wish, too, came true.
Reflecting on the journey, Qamar now prays for Modi’s continued success and well-being. “India’s growing global recognition is due to his relentless dedication. Now, I pray that all his challenges disappear,” she said warmly.
This heartfelt tradition of rakhi symbolizes not just a personal connection, but also a story of unity and shared values beyond borders. As Raksha Bandhan approaches on August 9 this year, the bond between Qamar and PM Modi continues to stand as a unique testament to love, respect, and unwavering faith.
