As preparations are going on in full swing for the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi on Monday, veteran mango cultivator Padma Shri Haji Kalimullah from Uttar Pradesh and the Tamil Nadu BJP have come out with innovative ideas to celebrate the historic event.
Kalimullah — a celebrated expert in mango cultivation in the famed mango belt of Malihabad in lucknow has already earned global acknowledgement by developing 300 different variants of the fruit on one tree — has developed a new variety of mango and named it “NaMo aam” after Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi. The new genus has the salient features of “Husn-e-Aara”, known for its beauty, and “Dussehri” which is regarded for its taste.
Meanwhile in Tamil Nadu, the State BJP unit has hit upon the idea of distributing ‘NaMo fish’ free of cost to the public on May 26, the day Narendra Modi assumes office as Prime Minister. “We will give a kilo of fresh fish free of cost to the public on May 26 as part of celebrations to mark our leader Modi assuming the office of the Prime Minister,” S Satishkumar, State president of BJP’s fishermen wing, told the PTI.
Kalimullah, who is popularly known as the “Mango King”, had in the past developed several different mango cross-breeds to suit the personality of dignitaries. He said that the new variety would suit Modi.
“I wish that the first ripe fruit of this variety reaches Modiji that he tastes it and give an opportunity for its fragrance to spread world over,” he said. He said the mango lovers, however, will have to wait to taste it as it will take sometime to reach markets.
Kalimullah has tethered hopes to Modi, who he says will play a major role in world politics. “We have high expectations from Modi and pray that he takes everyone along. His thinking appears to be good. He can play a major role in ending conflicts world over,” he said. “Muslim community has high hopes from Modiji. They also hope that he would put forth his views taking everyone along,” he said.
Kalimullah, a celebrated expert in mango cultivation in the famed mango belt of Malihabad here, earned global acknowledgement by developing 300 different variants of the fruit on one tree. In Tamil Nadu, fish varieties to be distributed include popular ones like ‘Sankara’ and ‘Kola’ and would be given to 200 persons, said State president of BJP’s fishermen wing S Satishkumar.
Using a collective term “NaMo fish” to denote several varieties, the BJP leader said each beneficiary would be given one popular variety. During the lS poll campaign, apart from the popular ‘NaMo tea stalls’, the TN BJP held a novel election drive — ‘NaMo’ mobile fish stalls — to reach out to the electorate.
These stalls were set up in cargo vans through which BJP campaigned that the ‘inaction’ of the UPA regime had resulted in no safety for fishermen of Tamil Nadu, with frequent attacks and arrests by the Sri lankan Navy. BJP had also promised a separate ministry for the welfare of fishermen and all issues affecting them during electioneering.