As Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared open the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai on Thursday, his choice of attire for the event grabbed attention and got netizens talking on social media. PM Modi arrived at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium wearing a half-sleeved white shirt, chess patterned karai veshti (traditional white dhoti) and sported a shawl that had a chessboard designed border.
“Checkmate! PM Narendra Modi’s powerful style statement in a traditional attire on arrival in Chennai to inaugurate the 44th Chess Olympiad,” tweeted Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
“Masterstroke by Modi ji to promote simple white dress with checkered shawl to revive Indian textile industry,” a Twitter user commented.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the inauguration of the 44th Chess Olympiad wearing the ‘Thambi Dhoti’ of Ramraj Cotton. Salute to the PM for honouring us by wearing our traditional attire,” tweeted Ramraj Cotton.
Earlier in the day, the founder of Ramraj Cotton, KR Nagarajan presented the “Chess Olympiad Thambi Vetti (dhoti)” to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. It was launched by actor Padmashri Jayaram at the press meet.
“The premium dhoti with the chequered border resonates with the heritage and pride of the game that originated in India and elevates the charm and elegance of the wearer,” a statement said.
At the event, PM Modi was presented a souvenir resembling the Shore Temple of Mamallapuram by CM Stalin.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said “there are no losers, there are winners and there are future winners” in sports. “The Chess Olympiad is hosted by India at a special time in its history, which marks 75 years of freedom from colonial rule,” PM Modi said.
The PM began his speech by saying ‘Vanakkam’, the Tamil word for greetings. PM Modi also cited Tamil saint poet Tiruvalluvar’s couplet on the significance of hospitality.