In the heart of New Delhi, 99-year-old Kuldeep Saddy's eyes still sparkle with the memory of roses he planted decades ago at a President's bungalow. For him, roses are not mere flowers; they are living chronicles of care, history, and enduring beauty. This deep-seated passion finds its grand stage at the All India Winter Rose Show, set to bloom on December 20 and 21 at the India–Africa Friendship Rose Garden in Chanakyapuri.
A Legacy in Bloom: From Presidents to Prime Ministers
Saddy, the former director of horticulture with the CPWD, recalls visiting former President Dr. Zakir Husain, a fellow rosarian. "I was astonished to find that rose buds I had planted earlier were still flourishing," he shares. Dr. Husain's love for nature led to Asia's largest rose garden in Chandigarh being named after him. Saddy's own career saw him nurturing gardens for Prime Ministers from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi. Even after retiring in 1985, his devotion never faded. "Gulab is the best flower in the world," he asserts. "There is a rose for every moment—red for love, white for grief."
The Winter Rose Show: A Celebration of Shared Devotion
Organised by the Rose Society of India (RSI) in collaboration with the NDMC, the show is more than an exhibition. Founded in 1959 by BP Pal, the "Father of Roses in India," the RSI is one of the country's oldest horticultural bodies. Saddy, its current president, has been associated with it for decades. This year's event will feature nearly 100 organisations and individual growers, with participants from Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Agra, and Bhopal.
Visitors can expect a stunning display of hybrid teas, floribundas, miniatures, and fragrant exotic roses, all judged by experts. Notable exhibits include those from TERI, known for exceptional rose crops, and PUSA–IARI, showcasing new Indian varieties. For the first time, named rose varieties will be available for sale, along with rose by-products and gardening tools. NDMC schoolchildren will also paint roses on-site, adding vibrant colours.
Rooted in the Future: India's Rising Rose Culture
For Saddy, every rose show is an act of hope. "I may not have a garden of my own," he says with a smile, "but every rose garden feels like it belongs to me." His optimism extends to India's horticultural future. In a significant milestone, Sushil Prakash became the first Indian elected president of the World Federation of Rose Societies in May. Furthermore, India will host the next World Rose Convention in Bhopal in 2028. "Preparations have already begun," says Saddy, looking ahead with the steadfastness of the roses he has tenderly nurtured for a lifetime.
As Delhi's winter air turns crisp, the Rose Show promises a sanctuary of beauty and emotion. "People come here to feel happy," Saddy observes. "December is the best time for roses—especially for those who have cared for them like a child." It is a timeless celebration, much like the enduring legacy of a 99-year-old man for whom every rose tells a story.
