New Delhi: In a heartwarming tradition that transcends borders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Pakistan-origin ‘sister’ Qamar Sheikh is set to tie a Rakhi on his wrist on 19 August in Delhi. Qamar Sheikh, who has been performing this ritual for nearly 30 years, will once again visit the Indian capital to continue the Raksha Bandhan tradition.
Qamar Sheikh, originally from Karachi, Pakistan, moved to India in 1981 after marrying Ahmedabad-based painter Mohshin Sheikh. Since then, she has lived in India and developed a special bond with Prime Minister Modi, which dates back to the early 1990s when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Their connection was forged when the then Gujarat Governor Swaroop Singh introduced Qamar to Modi in 1990. Ever since, she has made it her mission to personally craft a Rakhi for him each year.
What sets this tradition apart is that Qamar Sheikh has never purchased a Rakhi from the market for the Prime Minister. Instead, she meticulously handcrafts several Rakhis annually and selects the best one to present to him. Her dedication to making each Rakhi unique reflects the deep respect and affection she holds for PM Modi.
Despite the cherished ritual, Qamar was unable to tie a Rakhi on PM Modi’s wrist during the pandemic years of 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to safety concerns. She expressed her regret over missing those opportunities but is delighted to be able to resume the tradition this year. “It is a privilege for me to tie Rakhi on the Prime Minister’s wrist. It is a moment I cherish every year,” she shared.
Qamar Sheikh will arrive in Delhi on 18 August, ahead of the Raksha Bandhan celebration on 19 August, marking a reunion that highlights the significance of their enduring bond.
As India prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, this unique relationship between a Pakistani-origin sister and the Prime Minister of India serves as a reminder of the deep personal connections that can flourish beyond borders and politics.
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