In a heartwarming tribute blending horticultural passion with personal respect, an 85-year-old rose expert from Nagpur presented a unique floral gift to a Union Minister. Veteran hybridiser Narayan Shastri unveiled a new hybrid tea rose variety named 'Gadkari', gifting it to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on the occasion of the minister's 41st wedding anniversary on Friday.
A Floral Tribute Years in the Making
The rose, officially registered as 'Mr Gadkari (2025)', is the culmination of over five years of meticulous research and breeding by Shastri. Speaking about his creation, Shastri explained that the variety belongs to the prestigious Hybrid Tea (H.T.) category. The new rose was bred from the parentage of 'Sea Jack' and an anonymous seedling, a process that required patience and expertise.
The presentation was a symbolic gesture, comprising a freshly bloomed flower, a photograph of the rose in full glory, and a potted plant of the new variety itself. This act marked a special intersection of botanical achievement and personal homage.
Characteristics of the 'Gadkari' Rose
The 'Gadkari' rose boasts several distinctive features that make it stand out:
- Appearance: It displays a soft pink colour, large size, and an elegant shape with more than 50 petals.
- Longevity: Known for its long-lasting bloom, it is ideal for exhibitions, landscaping, and ornamental gardens.
- Agronomic Strengths: The plant shows an abundant flowering habit, handsome medium-green foliage, and high resistance to common diseases.
Shastri emphasised that these traits make the 'Gadkari' variety both aesthetically captivating and practically viable for cultivation across diverse Indian climatic conditions.
The Legacy of a Nagpur Rose Pioneer
Narayan Shastri's journey in rose breeding began in the early 1990s. Since then, his enduring passion has led to the release of around 50 hybrid rose varieties. Many of his creations have thrived in Nagpur's environment and gained popularity among growers and enthusiasts nationwide for their resilience, adaptability, and visual appeal.
The 'Gadkari' rose has been formally registered under the All India Rose Federation, ensuring its recognition in horticultural circles. The buds of this new variety will be distributed to nurseries, allowing rose lovers and gardeners to cultivate this special tribute.
This event highlights how personal dedication to a craft like floriculture can blossom into public tributes that celebrate both botanical beauty and individual respect.
