Green Show
Godrej Wins Garden Competitions
ebruary
is usually a busy month for gardeners in Mumbai. The reason is the Annual
Garden Competitions and Exhibitions arranged by various organisations. Some
of the important organisers are the National Society of the Friends of the
Trees, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, the Thane Municipal
Corporation, the Rose Society of India and the Navi Mumbai Municipal
Corporation.
Dr. V.A. Rode, Chief Judge of the
competitions and active member of the
National Society of the Friends of the Trees, along with Mr. Prem Kumar,
Chief Secretary of the State of Maharashtra, and Mrs. Kumar,
admire Godrej's bonsai collection.
The Annual Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Show,
organised by the National Society of the Friends of the Trees presently
headed by Pheroza J. Godrej, is the pioneer of such shows in India. The Show
was organised at the Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute in Matunga from 12
to 13 February, 2005. The Show was inaugurated by S.M. Krishna, the Governor
of Maharashtra. With several responsibilities and tight work schedules, we
decided to enter only a few categories. Despite our low-profile
participation, the Godrej Garden
Department bagged five rolling trophies, nine first prizes, 15 second prizes
and two third prizes in various categories. Our performance was outstanding
in certain categories — best-maintained bungalows (J17 and G1), bonsai and
cacti collection, avenue trees, hanging baskets, orchids, etc.
C.S. Shaikh, Chargehand, Garden Department,
receives a trophy on behalf of
Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., at the hands of H.E. S.M. Krishna, Governor of
Maharashtra.
Another Show in which we participated was organised by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai from 24 to 27 February, 2005. Popularly known as the "BMC Show", this also recognises the efforts of individuals and organisations in creating and maintaining greenery in Mumbai city. This year we bagged eight rolling trophies, 10 first prizes, 10 second prizes and four third prizes in various categories. The important categories were bonsai collection, best avenue in the city (from Plants 13 to18), best-maintained housing colony, saving the trees, vermicomposting, best flower arrangements, planting and preserving maximum number of indigenous trees and the best garden maintained for an educational institute (Udayachal Primary School).
The Godrej team walk away with their
trophies, while Pheroza J. Godrej, President,
National Society of the Friends of the Trees, looks on proudly.
We take this opportunity to thank the Management for their constant support without which such a consistent performance would not have been possible. We also congratulate all the garden workmen for their efforts in maintaining these gardens.
Garden Department