PM Modi lauds Bobbili Veena artisans after receiving instrument at Andhra airport event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised the artisans of the Bobbili Veena, a traditional string instrument from Andhra Pradesh, after receiving one at the inauguration of the Bhogapuram airport. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presented the instrument to the Prime Minister during the event.
In a post on social media platform X, Mr. Modi acknowledged the cultural significance of the instrument and the skill of its makers. “Bobbili Veena has a special place in India’s musical traditions. (I am) delighted to receive the exquisitely handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena in Bhogapuram. It embodies the skills of AP’s artisans. My compliments to them for preserving the culture of the State,” he wrote.
The Bobbili Veena is crafted in the heritage town of Bobbili in Vizianagaram district. It is known for its distinctive construction and acoustic quality. Unlike many other veenas, the Bobbili Veena is carved from a single piece of wood, which gives it a unique resonance. Artisans use materials such as jackfruit wood, ebony, and seasoned bamboo, and the instrument is often decorated with intricate carvings.
The instrument has a long history with royal patronage from the erstwhile Bobbili estate. Over the decades, it gained national recognition through performances by celebrated musicians who used it in concerts. In 2010, the Bobbili Veena received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, acknowledging its unique craftsmanship and regional origin.
The presentation at the airport inauguration highlights the continued visibility of traditional crafts in official and public functions. For the artisans of Bobbili, such recognition carries both cultural and economic value. The craft supports several families in the region, though artisans have occasionally called for more support in marketing and training.
The Bhogapuram airport, located near Visakhapatnam, is a significant infrastructure project for Andhra Pradesh. The event saw several state and central dignitaries in attendance. Mr. Modi’s acknowledgment of the veena comes at a time when traditional arts are increasingly being showcased at public ceremonies as symbols of regional heritage.
The Prime Minister’s post drew responses from many users, with several appreciating the gesture and others sharing their own memories of the instrument. While the post focused on the cultural aspect, it also drew attention to the larger question of preserving India’s craft traditions in a rapidly modernising world.
Observers note that such endorsements can help highlight the work of artisan communities, but sustained support in terms of fair wages, market access, and skill development remains essential. The Bobbili Veena’s journey from a royal instrument to a national symbol reflects both continuity and change in Indian cultural heritage.
