CSIR-CIMAP and HAL Emerge as Top Winners at Lucknow's Prestigious Flower Exhibition
The CSIR Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) claimed the maximum accolades during the two-day annual rose and gladiolus show organized by the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) in Lucknow, which concluded on Sunday. This vibrant horticultural event attracted widespread participation, highlighting the city's growing interest in floriculture and botanical excellence.
Record Participation and Prize Distribution
A total of 73 exhibitors presented an impressive 510 entries across various categories, making it one of the most competitive editions in recent years. The organizers awarded sixteen prestigious trophies and 187 general prizes, which included:
- 60 first prizes
- 66 second prizes
- 61 third prizes
The general prizes were determined based on the highest number of first prizes, followed by second and third prizes, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation process.
Top Performers and Trophy Winners
CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow secured the first general prize with an outstanding tally of five first, nine second, and five third prizes, totaling 19 awards. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Lucknow followed closely, earning the second general prize with five first, four second, and one third prize, amounting to 10 awards.
In a remarkable individual achievement, Vedansh Agrawal of Mahanagar, Lucknow won the Third General Prize with four first, seven second, and six third prizes, accumulating 17 awards. Agrawal also received the director general's trophy for being the highest scorer across Class A to Class H, showcasing exceptional horticultural skills.
Among other trophy winners, HAL, Indira Nagar, Lucknow clinched the director's trophy for Class A, while Vedansh Agrawal added another feather to his cap by winning the director's trophy for Class B.
Officials Emphasize Green Initiatives and Community Engagement
CSIR-NBRI Director Ajit Kumar Shasany expressed gratitude to all participants and citizens for their enthusiastic involvement, underscoring the event's role in fostering community spirit. National Testing Agency chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi, during the prize distribution function, reflected on CSIR-NBRI's evolution from a royal garden into a leading research institute.
Joshi stressed the importance of cultivating a sense of belongingness towards scientific institutions and society at large. He advocated for promoting gardening and green spaces in urban areas, citing the adverse environmental impacts of unchecked concrete development. Highlighting the emotional and psychological benefits of flowers, Joshi urged scientists to develop innovative strategies for selecting plant species suited to constrained urban spaces. Such initiatives, he noted, could play a crucial role in reducing pollution and mitigating global warming.
Launch of New Gladiolus Variety 'Pushpangadan'
In a significant development, CSIR-NBRI unveiled a new gladiolus variety named 'NBRI-Pushpangadan', dedicated to the late Dr. Palpu Pushpangadan, former director of CSIR-NBRI. The variety was formally released by Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi at the prize distribution ceremony.
Developed through controlled hybridization of 'Neelima' and 'Yellowstone', this new gladiolus variety flowers within 90–112 days and produces tall spikes adorned with 12–19 reddish-purple florets featuring distinctive markings. It is specifically aimed at enhancing commercial cut flower production, offering a promising addition to the floriculture industry.
The event not only celebrated horticultural excellence but also reinforced the importance of sustainable practices and community engagement in urban gardening, setting a positive precedent for future initiatives.
