An unprecedented cross-border bond connecting a quiet village in Rajasthan to the seat of American power has reached a poignant conclusion. Mohini Devi, fondly addressed as 'Buaji' by the residents of Nayla near Jaipur, passed away in March 2026. Her departure permanently halted a 26-year tradition of affection during which she regularly dispatched Rakhis across the ocean to former US President Bill Clinton.
A Diplomatic Visit Turned Sisterly Bond
The origin of this unusual sisterly connection dates back to March 2000, when Bill Clinton visited India during his presidency. As part of his official itinerary, the American head of state traveled to Nayla, a small township situated in the Jaipur district. Following the demise of her husband, Mohini Devi had been residing in her maternal home within the village. Recognized for her warm demeanor and respected across the community, village elders unanimously selected her to welcome the visiting foreign dignitary. On that historic day, following traditional Indian customs, she tied a sacred thread of protection around Clinton's wrist, laying the foundation for a familial kinship that defied geographic and cultural boundaries.
Bridging Nayla and the White House
What began as a ceremonial gesture during an official state visit evolved into a deep personal commitment spanning over two decades. Every year on the auspicious occasion of Rakshabandhan, Mohini Devi meticulously crafted special Rakhis for Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary Clinton, and their family members. Delivering these symbolic threads required careful coordination. The packages were dispatched through the United States Embassy located in New Delhi, which then forwarded them straight to the White House in Washington. In response, the American leader consistently acknowledged her gesture, sending official letters of gratitude alongside memorabilia bearing the presidential emblem, including custom bags, pens, and commemorative badges.
Global Headlines and Spiritual Support
This enduring relationship between a rural Indian homemaker and a world leader captured international attention over the years. Prominent global news outlets, including The New York Times, highlighted the sentimental story, bringing widespread recognition to Nayla. Inspired by the coverage, numerous American tourists, diplomats, and administrative officers visiting Jaipur made a point to visit Mohini Devi at her residence. Her affection for her adoptive family was vividly evident during the 2016 United States presidential election when Hillary Clinton was campaigning for office. Demonstrating her unwavering support for her sister-in-law, Mohini Devi organized special religious rituals and offered prayers at the local village temple for Hillary Clinton's success.
Treasured Memories of an Extraordinary Kinship
Although the frequency of formal correspondence naturally tapered off in later years, Mohini Devi's devotion remained steadfast until her final days. She continued her annual tradition of dispatching Rakhis to Clinton up until 2025. Her eldest son, Shankarlal Gupta, recalled that although his mother had two biological brothers, her emotional bond with Clinton was equally profound. She took immense pride in the fact that her brother had once led the United States. Following her death in March 2026, the presidential keepsakes, White House tokens, and archived press clippings carefully stored in her home stand as lasting testaments to a remarkable connection that linked a simple village in Rajasthan directly to the highest office in Washington.
