Pakistani rose expert gets world award on book

[Naveed Yaseen]

Schezee Zaidi
Eminent Pakistani ‘Rosarian’ Dr. Mahmooda Hashmi has been awarded by the World Federation of Rose Societies for her book ‘The Indigenous and Wild Roses of Pakistan’.

The prestigious literary award was given at the 15th World Rose Convention held in Vancouver Canada. The World Rose Conference is held every three year in one of the member countries where delegates of the Rose Societies of 42 countries assemble to review the development in different fields of the Rose cultivation and preservation.

The ‘Indigenous and Wild Roses of Pakistan’ is the first ever book written in Pakistan that describes in comprehensive detail, the treasure of indigenous and wild roses of Pakistan as well as their use in its age old and deep rooted rose culture. The book received great appreciation from the delegates and the hosts of the convention. After a secrete balloting, the book has been awarded the international award for the quality and research work done by Dr Mahmooda Hashmi. Through this unique book, Dr. Hashmi succeeded not only in bringing Pakistani roses in the limelight but has also been able to win accolade for her Country Pakistan.

‘Indigenous and Wild Roses of Pakistan,’ after it’s launching at Pakistan National Rose Society’s (PNRS) annual Rose Festival, received its first award in the form of a Gold Medal presented by the PNRS to the writer. The book explores the vast yet previously overlooked world of the Pakistani roses. The book generated great interest in the circles of ‘rosarians’ all over the world and has received great praise from the national and international forums where it has been presented.

Besides giving a detailed description of variety of roses available in Pakistan, Dr Mahmooda has also beautifully blended its ancient history, and how various species were introduced from one part of the world to another in vivid illustrations. The book also deals with the rose culture of Pakistan, exploring the significance of the rose figures in the day-to-day life of an average Pakistani. The book also describes various scientific progresses being made on rose growth in Pakistan and the role of the country’s main research institutes in this regard.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=193951