Dubai-based Indian teen over the moon after PM Modi thanks him for 'beautiful portrait'

A 14-year-old Indian boy, based in the UAE, had his special moment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the weekend.

Saran Sasikumar, who loves to showcase his stencil portraits of various personalities, took to Twitter to share a 'heartfelt' letter by PM Modi for the special artwork. A scanned version of the letter, bearing Modi's signature, is available on his account.

In the letter, Modi said that his portrait by the teenager reflects the artist's undying commitment and dedication to painting. Calling art an effective medium to express thoughts and emotions, he also said that it can connect our imagination to creativity.

"I am sure that you will take your artistic skills to higher levels of excellence in the years to come. May you continue to draw many more beautiful portraits and at the same time, excel in the academic sphere. Best wishes for a bright and successful future," the letter read.


In reply, Sasikumar wrote, "This is a big motivation and source of inspiration for budding artists like me."

According to the Gulf News, the class IX student in Dubai created a six-layered stencil portrait of PM Modi, to mark Republic Day on January 26 this year.

Sasikumar, whose family is from Kerala, sent the portrait to the Prime Minister via the Parliamentary Affairs Minister V Muraleedharan who had visited the UAE in January.

^{He has also made stencil portraits of former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE's PM and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.}

Gulf News also added that Sasikumar finds stencil art his passion and has made over a hundred portraits. He said the letter from Modi would always remain special as the prime minister's hard work is an inspiration for him.