Bhubaneswar: The first SOA Flower Festival bloomed into existence at the SOA Deemed University this Monday, transforming the campus into a vibrant tapestry of petals and perfumes.
This enchanting two-day celebration was orchestrated by the university’s faculty of agriculture, the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, to honor the beauty of International Flower Day on January 19.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shirmati Saswati Das, Vice-President of SOA, who shared that the festival aims to inspire a love for floriculture among students, farmers, and enthusiasts alike.
The air was filled with a sense of wonder as Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of SOA, spoke of how this gathering serves as a bridge for flower lovers to master the scientific art of cultivation.
Across the festival grounds, eighteen stalls invited the public to wander through live exhibits while competitors vied for honors in ninety distinct categories. This garden of opportunity brought together nurseries, entrepreneurs, and dedicated floriculturists to showcase their finest blossoms.
Looking ahead to the second day of the festival, the focus shifts toward the future of the industry with a special panel discussion centered on entrepreneurship in floriculture.
According to Prof. Santosh Kumar Rout, Dean of IAS, this dialogue will explore the modern scientific methods, government incentives, and banking support available to those wishing to turn their passion for flowers into a thriving livelihood. The opening festivities were also witnessed by a distinguished circle of university deans and leaders, including Prof. Sashikala Beura, Head of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping.