New "Namoh 108" Lotus Variety Unveiled with 108 Petals: A Symbol of Beauty and Significance

Union Science and Technology Minister, Jitendra Singh, has introduced a captivating addition to the botanical world – the "NBRI Namoh 108" lotus variety. Developed by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in the city, this unique lotus variety boasts an exquisite 108 petals and is set to bloom from March to December. What sets this lotus apart is that it holds the distinction of being the first flower with a fully sequenced genome, making it an exemplar of botanical innovation.

Singh unveiled this remarkable discovery during a ceremony, where he highlighted the profound importance of the lotus flower in religious contexts and paired it with the number "108," it holds a significant cultural and spiritual identity. Singh commended the NBRI for christening the lotus variety as "Namoh 108," underscoring the depth and symbolism of this nomenclature. Moreover, he commemorated the unveiling as a splendid gift to honour the unrelenting dedication and inherent beauty of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coinciding with his tenth year in office.

The National Botanical Research Institute, an integral part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has reached a milestone by fully sequencing the genome of the "Namoh 108" lotus variety, marking a significant advancement in the field of botanical research.

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During the event, Minister Singh also introduced apparel crafted from lotus fiber and unveiled a fragrance called 'Frotus,' derived from the essence of lotus flowers. These innovations emerged from the Lotus Research Programme, a collaborative effort between the NBRI and the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre in Kannauj.

Singh's address also encompassed the launch of the Lotus Mission – an ambitious initiative that aims to advance the understanding and utilization of lotus plants in a mission-focused approach. He likened this project to other priority schemes such as the National Honey and Bee Mission, National Bamboo Mission, National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Natural Farming, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and Gokul Mission.

The introduction of the "Namoh 108" lotus variety, with its exceptional petal count and significance, marks a significant contribution to both scientific advancement and cultural symbolism. This innovative breakthrough not only adds to the rich heritage of the lotus flower but also showcases India's commitment to scientific exploration and discovery.

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