On the occasion of International Women's Day, the United States Ambassador to the Netherlands Shefali Razdan Duggal baptized a tulip with her name, Tulipa Shefali.
The tulip is among one of the most powerful and internationally recognizable symbols of the Netherlands. In 2023, First Lady Jill Biden had tulips named after her in a special ceremony.
The ambassador planted the tulip bulbs at the US Ambassador’s Residence in The Hague with Keukenhof gardeners. She expressed honor in being included among those 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. As the first Ambassador to receive the high honor of having a tulip named after me, it is so befitting to unveil the 'Shefali Tulip,' on International Women’s Day," she stated.
Taking to X, Duggal posted, "My heart is so full of joy and I am so grateful for sharing this special moment with many of my dearest and closest family and friends."
Days later, still pinching myself about the surreal honor of having a tulip named after me this past Friday at @KeukenhofCastle! My heart is so full of joy and I am so grateful for sharing this special moment with many of my dearest and closest family and friends. pic.twitter.com/CtRhefTFa1
— Ambassador Shefali Razdan Duggal (@usambnl) March 11, 2024
The origin of the Shefali tulip dates back to 2009. The pink-colored tulips will be drawn into bloom from early January until Mother's Day. It is a rare species that is resistant to the fungus "Fusarium" which attacks tulip bulbs.
Born in Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh, Duggal moved to the US at a young age. She grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and earned her B.S. in mass communication, with a minor in political science, from Miami University in Oxford. She also earned an M.A. in media ecology from New York University, according to her website.
An advocate for inclusive women's rights and an "International Gender Champion”, Duggal has led several national-level political campaigns. She has also served on the boards of several prominent organizations including the Board of Directors for Emily’s List 2014-2020 and was a presidential appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council 2014-2018.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login