Dragon fruit becomes Kamalam in this Indian state

The Dragon Fruit will be renamed “Kamalam” Gujarat, India as its shape is similar to the lotus. The original name is “associated with China”, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Tuesday.

The state government has applied for a patent to change the nomenclature of Dragon Fruit, which is grown in Kutch, Navsari and different parts of Saurashtra, to Kamalam.

“The name Dragon Fruit is not proper, and due to its name, one thinks of China. So we have given it the name Kamalam,” Vijay Rupani said.

The word “Kamalam” is Sanskrit for the Lotus, which is the party symbol of the ruling BJP. It is also the name of the BJP office in Gujarat.

The announcement drew a flurry of reactions on social media. The netizens launched a variety of memes and jokes by giving Sanskrit names to other fruits and vegetables as well. They started a Twitter trend under #SanskaariFruitsSabzi completely unleashing their creativity and sense of humour.

Over the past few years, the Dragon Fruit has become a popular addition to the diet in the country and has emerged as a money-spinner for farmers in Gujarat, mainly in Bhuj, Gandhidham and Mandvi.

In July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned the fruit in his monthly radio show “Mann Ki Baat” and had given a shout-out to the farmers of Kutch for growing the imported fruit as part of his government’s mission of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)”.

PM Modi also listed the nutritional benefits of the fruit, which is high in vitamins and minerals.
Farmers in Gujarat had already started branding it as “Kamalam Fruit” in local markets. According to the state government, the name has an instant connection with local farmers.