DUBAI: A Dubai-based fourteen-year-old boy from Kerala who had made a six-layered stencil portrait of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a gift to him on the occasion of the country's Republic Day, has received a letter of appreciation from the Prime Minister who told him that the sketch reflects his love and affection for the nation.

As reported by the Gulf News in January, Saran Sasikumar, a grade nine student of New Indian Model School here made a six-layered stencil portrait of Modi as a tribute to mark India's Republic Day on January 26.

The portrait, measuring 90cmx60cm, was handed over to India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V. Muraleedharan during his UAE visit in January, to be gifted to Modi. After receiving the portrait, PM Modi has sent a letter to Saran thanking him and appreciating his creativity and encouraging him to excel in arts and academics.

A scanned copy of the letter was emailed on Thursday by the Prime Minister's Office, Saran's father Sasikumar. G told Gulf News. In the letter, Modi has acknowledged receiving "the beautiful portrait" sent by Saran and extended "heartfelt gratitude" for sending him the creative work.

"Art is an effective medium to express our innermost thoughts and emotions and connect our imagination to creativity. The portrait drawn by you reflects your undying commitment and dedication to painting, as well as your love and affection for the nation," the Prime Minister opined.

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