A tulip in the Netherlands has been named after Indian-American diplomat Shefali Razdan Duggal, the US Ambassador to the country, in recognition of her advocacy for gender equity, coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Day. The Tulipa Shefali, a product of Maveridge International’s breeding programme in Sint Maarten, is the result of a years-long project aimed at cultivating strong and healthy tulips, according to a press release.
“It is a genuine and surreal honour to be included amongst such a remarkable group of individuals who have received this recognition. The tulip is a beautiful flower which has been cherished and loved for centuries and so positively represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” said 52-year-old Razdan Duggal.
“As the first Ambassador to receive the high honour of having a tulip named after me, it is so fitting to unveil the ‘Shefali Tulip’ today, on International Women’s Day,” she said, referring to the celebrations held on March 8, 2024.
“Throughout history, women have been forced to overcome gender bias and discrimination, and we have worked hard and continue to work hard to reach each milestone. We do this for ourselves and for future generations of women to be seen, to be heard, to be included and to be empowered,” Shefali said.
Tulip breeding is a long-term endeavour. Accordingly, the origin of the Shefali tulip dates back to 2009. One of the crosses in the project was Tulipa Lucky Strike with a strong cutting tulip, a press release said.
Duggal is an advocate for inclusive women’s rights and is an “International Gender Champion,” the press release said.
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