AMU begins ‘Chrysanthemums, Coleus and Rose Show’

Aligarh: Thousands of vistors flocked the Gulistan-e-Syed in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Saturday to visit the ‘Chrysanthemums, Coleus and Rose Show’ featuring stunning displays of 744 artistic floral and gardening presentations including 67 different Roses, 246 Coleus varieties, 186 decorative Chrysanthemums, 213 ornamental plants and 15 plants from the Bougainvillia, Bonsai, Succulents and Cacti families in 17 flower and plant arrangements.

The two-day show-cum-competition open to all individuals, institutions, schools, colleges, clubs and societies for participation was inaugurated by AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor.

Attending the inaugural function as the Chief Guest, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Mansoor said: “It is indeed a matter of pride and happiness that the AMU community and residents of Aligarh have been attending this show every year, exhibiting their love for nature and their appreciation of beauty.”

Renowned paediatrician, Dr Hameeda Tariq remarked that this annual flower show flaunts the beauty of nature in all its colourful versatility with enormous collection of flora species.

Prof Mansoor planted a Dioon Spinulosum (also known as the Giant Dioon), an endangered Mexican plant, which is the tallest in the cycad family; while Dr Hameeda planted Dioon Edule, a rare cycad also found in Mexico.

The Guests of Honour Prof Shamsul Haque Siddiqui (Dean, Students Welfare) and Prof M Abdus Salam (OSD to Vice Chancellor) pointed out that every year, this flower show raises the bar by incorporating new floral varieties into elaborate displays.

“Vice Chanellor Lodge, Pro Vice Chanellor Lodge, Registrar Lodge, VG Nursery, Gulistan-e-Syed, Guest House No 1, Guest House No 2, Guest House No 3, Z H College of Engineering and Technology, Department of Zoology, Department of Theology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, S S Hall Mosque, S S Hall North, Al Barakat and Administrative Block among others are participating in the show,” informed Prof Zaki Anwar Siddiqui (Member-in-Charge, Department of Land and Gardens).

Prof S M Jawed Akhtar (Finance Officer), Prof Najam Khalique (Executive Council Member), Prof Shahid Ali Siddiqui (Principal, J N Medical College), Prof Shakeel Ahmad (Member-in-Charge, Building Department) and Prof Nafees Ahmad Khan (Chairman, Department of Botany) also spoke on the occasion.

Dr Tariq Aftab (Associate Member-in-Charge and Convener) proposed the vote of thanks.