‘Tulipa Shefali’: Tulip named after an Indian-American diplomat in the Netherlands

A tulip in the Netherlands has been named after gender equality advocate Shefali Razdan Duggal, an Indian-American diplomat and US ambassador to the country, as International Women’s Day was celebrated here.

Tulipa Shefali comes from Maverick International’s breeding program in St. Maarten and was developed from a year-long project to breed stronger and healthier tulips, a media release said.

“To join the group of such remarkable individuals who have received this recognition is a real and unreal honor. Razdan Duggal, 52, said the tulip is a beautiful flower that has been cherished and loved for centuries and it positively represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

“As the first ambassador to receive the high honor of having a tulip named after me, it is very appropriate to unveil the ‘Shefali Tulip’ today on International Women’s Day,” she said, referring to the ceremony held on February 8.

“Throughout history, women have been forced to overcome gender bias and discrimination, and we have worked hard and will continue to work hard to reach each milestone. We do this for ourselves and for future generations of women to feel seen, heard, included and empowered,” Razdan Duggal said.

Tulip breeding is a long-term endeavor. Accordingly, Shefali Tulip originated in 2009.

A media release said the project involved “Tulipa Lucky Strike”, a cross with strong cutting tulips.

The release said Duggal advocates for inclusive women’s rights and is an “international gender champion.”