Renowned rose breeder Pranabir Maity, popularly known as the “Rose Man of India”, has sought permission from the Ministry of Defence to name one of his newly bred rose varieties after Operation Sindoor, a major counter-terror operation carried out by the Indian armed forces against terrorists in 2025.
Maity, who is based in Kolkata, is among India’s most respected rose breeders, with a collection of over 3,000 rose varieties and several hundred roses bred by him over the last three decades.
Speaking with News18 over the phone from Kolkata, Maity said he wants to dedicate the proposed rose to the courage and might displayed by the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor.
“Rose is the king of flowers, and as a rose breeder, I want to give my
tribute to the might of our armed forces, who emerged as the undefeated king of the battlefield. I have been breeding roses for three decades now, and I want to dedicate a rose to Operation Sindoor, provided I get the necessary permission,” Maity told News18.
Naming Roses After Prominent Personalities
Maity has earlier named several of his rose varieties after prominent national figures, after obtaining their consent. These include a rose named after former President Pranab Mukherjee, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, and several other eminent leaders from across the country.
He said that written approval is mandatory before using the name of any public figure or institution for a rose variety.
“In order to use the name of any prominent personality, written approval from that person is essential. Only after receiving permission do I go ahead with naming a rose,” he explained.
Rose in Honour of President Droupadi Murmu
Maity also revealed that he is in the process of developing a rose variety, which he wishes to dedicate to President of India Droupadi Murmu, subject to her approval.
Calling her journey an inspiration, Maity said dedicating a rose to the President would be a matter of great honour.
“President Droupadi Murmu’s life journey and her rise to the highest constitutional office of the country is deeply inspiring. I intend to write to the Rashtrapati Bhavan seeking her permission to name a rose variety in her honour,” he said.
Rose Dedicated to Prime Minister Modi in the Works
The veteran breeder also said he is developing a special rose variety, which he plans to dedicate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, subject to approval.
“I will soon be writing a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office (PMO) seeking his approval. The rose that would be named after him will be the best rose I have bred so far,” Maity said.
Praising the Prime Minister’s long public service, he added, “The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked round the clock for over 20 years in public life and the way he has developed the country inspires me to dedicate my finest rose to him.”
Rose Planned in Honour of Dr Farooq Abdullah
Maity further said he also plans to dedicate a rose variety to Dr Farooq Abdullah, the veteran leader and patriarch of politics in Jammu and Kashmir.
“A letter will be sent to Dr Farooq Abdullah to seek his approval for naming a rose variety after him,” he said.
With his proposed tribute to Operation Sindoor, along with roses planned in honour of the President, Prime Minister, and other national leaders, Pranabir Maity’s work reflects a unique blend of horticulture, respect for public service, and national pride.
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