Lucknow/New Delhi, May 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a rare, freshly bloomed ‘Namoh 108 Lotus’ to To Lam during his visit to New Delhi on Thursday, with the unique flower drawing attention for its symbolic and scientific significance.

The rare lotus variety was developed by scientists at the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow and is known for its 108 petals and near year-round blooming capability.

Special Transport Arrangement From Lucknow
The blooming lotus was carefully packed in a fibre box and transported by road from Lucknow to the national capital. Along with the flower, two live lotus plants carrying blooming flowers and a ‘Namoh Kit’ containing lotus seeds were also gifted.

Sources at NBRI said two specially prepared boxes containing nutrient-rich sludge and clay-based soil were used for transporting the live plants. A team of three NBRI scientists transported the plants in an air-conditioned SUV to ensure their safety and freshness.

The lotus formed part of a wider set of symbolic gifts presented to the Vietnamese President, which also included a brass sculpture of Buddha and a Banarasi silk sari.

Developed From Manipur Germplasm
According to institute sources, the ‘Namoh 108 Lotus’ was developed in 2023 under the leadership of NBRI Director AK Shasany and his research team.

The variety is a clonal selection from lotus germplasm traced to Manipur. It bears large light pink flowers measuring nearly 10 inches in diameter.

Scientists said the flower earlier bloomed seasonally, but technological intervention by NBRI enabled it to bloom almost throughout the year while ensuring distinctiveness, stability and uniformity.

Nutritional And Botanical Significance
Researchers said the elite lotus variety contains high levels of amino acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, fatty acids, carbohydrates and minerals.

The plant can be propagated through rhizome division, stolon division, or seeds, and can be cultivated in ponds, tanks, and pots.

Also Read: India, Vietnam Vow to Deepen Defense Ties as PM Modi Meets President To Lam

Why Is It Called ‘Namoh 108’?
The lotus was named ‘Namoh’ because of its religious significance. The term is derived from the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah”, while ‘108’ refers to the number of petals on the flower.

Shared Cultural Symbolism With Vietnam
Lotus is also the national flower of Vietnam and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance there, much like in India.

Closely linked with Buddhism, the lotus symbolises purity, resilience and spiritual awakening, and is revered for blooming untainted from muddy waters — representing perseverance and strength in Vietnamese culture.