SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF 51ST ROSE FESTIVAL AT CHANDIGARH ON 17.02.2023

It gives me great pleasure to be here today at the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden for the 51st Chandigarh Rose Festival.

Over the years, Chandigarh Rose Festival has become a ‘major cultural event’ and an integral part of the cultural calendar of the City.

I have been told that this unique flower show is being organized since 1967 and enjoys national and international recognition for its antiquity and stature.

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden where the Rose Festival is being organized has a sprawling expanse of 40 acres and I believe is one of the most frequented gardens in the country and biggest in Asia. It hosts an enormous collection of over 800 varieties of Rose in various hues and shades be it Red, Pink, White, Yellow, Orange or Black; the hybrid, polyanthus, miniatures and the climbers; the indigenous and the exotic varieties.

Friends,

Fondness for flowers is not a new found craze. Flowers have always enjoyed a special place in the human hearts since times immemorial.

Flowers have often been used to express appreciation, friendship, loyalty, gratitude, happiness and affection. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations from worshiping to wedding, flowers adorn  every important occasion.

It is indeed a matter of pride and happiness that the people of the city have played host to this flower show for several decades, thus exhibition their love for nature and their appreciation of beauty.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever said Keats. And here in Chandigarh amidst the panorama of greenery and the myriad colours the joy that fills one’s mind is indeed unique and special.

Those of us, as humans, wish to learn from flowers can of course learn the lesson of livening up our surroundings with out simplicity and innate natural beauty; and learn to spread fragrance of bliss to all, without any discrimination.

I believe that this 3-day Rose festival is a way to pay tribute to the magnificence of the roses and a mega celebration of Nature.

Besides, Rose festival can promote interest and knowledge of horticulture and gardening and encourage aesthetic talents in beautifying the home and the community.

I find that the ornate landscape, beautiful floral displays, innovative new designs and exotic exhibits are the high points of this festival …. while on the spot painting competition, Brass and Pipe band competition, beauty show, dance performances, photography exhibition and cultural evening are the added charms to the show. For the first time, this year light and sound show will be included in the Rose Festival.

It is a matter of great satisfaction for me to see that tremendous interest and enthusiasm has been shown in participation in the Rose Festival. With the concern of people towards conserving nature and natural resources increasing year after year, I am sure that the coming years will see more colorful flower shows in the city and greater participation and innovation in displaying the exhibits.

Flower festivals such as this help people to appreciate the value of Nature and teach them to treasure our resources preserve them and hand them over to succeeding generations in a manner that benefits mankind.

 

All of nature is special, precious and amazing. Being able to experience the wonderful beauty of nature is a special blessing. We often tend to take for granted all that we receive from Nature.

 

Mahatma Gandhi, in his writings mentioned, “Nature has enough to satisfy every man’s need but not enough to satisfy every man’s greed”. The earth gives us the air we breathe, the water we drink, the sun light we enjoy,  the trees that give shade and oxygen, are examples of Mother Nature’s blessings to mankind. It is important that we recognize this and take steps to carry forward these blessings of Nature to our succeeding generations.

 

Our ancestors knew the practice of sustainable development. That is the reason India has had a continuing civilisation for more than 5000 years. The agricultural practices were sustainable. The needs of the people were limited and contentment was the principle that was admired, appreciated and propagated.

 

In the last 200 years, we have had many technological innovations that have improved the standard of living. The use of electricity, use of vehicles for transportation and the use of gadgets to improve communication have definitely helped to make our living conditions better. But it is important to draw the line so that we do not exceed limits.

 

Today the use of petrol and petroleum products, the use of plastics and the mindless dependence on artificial chemicals have resulted in serious environmental damage. That is why the nations of the world have been engaging themselves in the task of controlling carbon emissions.

 

Let me therefore conclude by calling upon every, well intentioned person to take a pledge to reduce our levels of consumption, recycle resources and promote the use of renewable sources of energy so as to make the world a better place for the present and the future.

 

My best wishes and greetings to the Municipal Corporation and the UT Administration who have organized the Rose Festival with much care and attention.

Through active partnership of the rose flower and the expertise, experience and knowledge of landscaping experts let us make the City Beautiful – More Beautiful. 

Thank you,

Jai Hind.