The 61st Annual Flower Show organised by the Garden Committee of University of Delhi saw a powerfully beautiful display of flowers and emotions.
The Mughal Garden of the Vice Chancellor’s Lawns was adorned with a thousand flowers in a stunning array of as many colors on the 1st of March, 2019. Celebrating the 61st edition of the Annual Flower Show of University of Delhi, the exhibit left every spectator spellbound. As Pooja, a fellow admirer of flowers and plants excitedly stated, “It feels like a dreamy heaven!”
Participants from 26 colleges, 14 hostels and University Halls, institutions, schools and students from Delhi-NCR participated in the event. A diverse multitude of around 7000 footfalls including children and senior citizens enjoyed the floral displays and fête. The event was inaugurated by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar of the University. Prizes including 72 rolling shields and cups were awarded.
The annual event aims at sensitizing the university students to participate actively and contribute to the environment by preserving its bounties and beauties. Bakhtawar Iqbal, a third year student from Hindu College exclaimed that he aspired to practise gardening from this day onwards. Pooja, another student bought more than ten saplings from the exhibition. She stated, “One of the best things about this exercise is that they sell these saplings, like succulents, at throwaway prices! I love how the committee maintains the aim to enable students like me, who are always broke, to adopt plants and nurture them.”
One of the main highlights of the exhibit this time was the ‘Forest: Conservation, Productivity, Livelihood’ project. Talking to DU Beat, Parul Bhardwaj, a student of Botany under the Garden Secretary of University of Delhi, Professor Sudeshna Mazumdar-Leighton said, “This is something new about this time. We have an educational exhibit that iterates the imprtance of forests. The project, as the name suggests has three dimensions: Conservation, Productivity, Livelihood. It focuses on usage of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) like silk, honey and oils like mahua and kusum.” Bhardwaj also mentioned, “Integration of the women community living in close proximity of the forests has been efficiently aimed at as well. Women are the primary sellers, gatherers and processors of NTFPs. This project and its propagation aims at allowing them greater employment opportunities.”
Notably, the most exuberant display of flowers was by the Miranda House Team. Deservingly, Miranda House was awarded all top three positions. A vast variety of flowers from sunflowers to lillies and daisies, the exhibit captured eyes and emotion alike. Adding to this were various street play performances by societies.
Various artpieces and models displayed in tents drove home powerful and inspiring messages home. Different arrays of flowers were named and interpreted differently. These models that explored themes like women empowerment and the joys and trials of womanhood, or those that voiced concern over brahmanical patriarchy, all of them carried insight.
A special section was dedicated to commemorate the brave soldiers lost in the tragic Pulwama terror attack. Beautiful wreaths mourned and celebrated the martyrs. Many of the flowered models advocated the prevailing of peace and how war is never the answer.
The message driven home by organising this event was that of celebrating nature in all its splendour and serene beauty.
Image Credits: Kartik Chauhan
Kartik Chauhan
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