Annual Flower Show Begins At PAU, Flower Lovers Throng The Show

Ludhiana, February 25, 2016: A two-day “20th Annual Flower Show and Competition” began at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today amidst the enthusiastic participation of hobbyists, amateurs, nurseries and private, government and semi-government institutions. Myriad colours of flowers presented nature at its best. The show has been organized in the memory of Dr M.S.Randhawa, former Vice-Chancellor, PAU who played an institutional role in developing landscape at PAU and authored many books on ornamental trees, shrubs and gardens. The show has been jointly organized by the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Estate Organization and Department of Family Resource Management, PAU. The Department of Horticulture, Punjab is also participating in the show.

Inaugurating the show, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU who was the chief guest, said the flower show aims at promoting floriculture and landscaping amongst the general public. Flowers in full bloom beautify the surroundings and provide healthy and soothing environment, he added. Dr Dhillon further observed, “Multi-coloured flowers convey a message of gaiety and ecstasy.” He appealed to every household to grow ornamentals to beautify and improve the environment. Dr Dhillon also paid floral tributes to Dr Randhawa, an ardent lover of nature.

Dr A.S. Dhatt, Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, PAU said there were nine different classes of fresh/dry flower arrangements, seasonal flowers, foliage plants, cacti, succulents, ferns and bonsai in the competition. A large number of flower lovers participated and competition was held among 1500 entries of 85 different sections, he told. In the fresh and dry flower arrangements, the students displayed their creative skills by giving captions like Scintillating, Celebrating Life, Vibrance, Morning Sunshine, Morning Glory, Unity in Diversity, etc., he said. The participating students also designed beautiful ear rings, hair rings, bracelets, and garlands from diverse varieties of flowers, he added.

According to Dr H.S. Grewal, a floriculture expert, PAU, the flower show is a regular feature and attracts people from various sectors of the society. He told that the visitors appreciated the tips demonstrated by the experts for growing flowers. Different nurseries have put up their plants at PAU and the flower lovers can buy best plants, he informed.

The Deans, Directors, faculty and students of PAU also thronged the flower show.