Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted the Namoh 108 Lotus to Vietnamese President To Lam during a state visit to India on 7 May 2026. The Namoh 108 Lotus is the first lotus variety in India to have its genome fully sequenced. Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, this cultivated variety possesses exactly 108 petals. The number 108 holds sacred value in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The gifting ceremony highlights the growing diplomatic, cultural, and religious ties between India and Vietnam.
Botanical Characteristics and Classification
Taxonomy and Morphology
The Namoh 108 Lotus belongs to the genus Nelumbo, a group of aquatic plants known for growing in freshwater environments. Unlike the common wild lotus, this specific cultivar displays a precise count of 108 petals. The flowers exhibit a large size and a distinct pink hue.
Flowering Cycle and Resilience
A key trait of the Namoh 108 Lotus is its extended blooming period. Standard Indian lotus varieties generally bloom for 4 to 5 months during the peak summer and monsoon seasons. In contrast, this variety blooms for 10 months a year, lasting from March to December. It also shows high weather resilience, allowing it to survive and flower under varied climatic conditions across different regions.
Genome Sequencing and Scientific Research
Genomic Mapping by CSIR-NBRI
Scientists at CSIR-NBRI completed the full genome sequencing of this variety, making it the first indigenous lotus to be completely mapped. Genome sequencing involves reading the entire DNA sequence of the organism. This genetic blueprint helps scientists identify the specific genes responsible for the plant’s unique traits, such as its high petal count, extended blooming cycle, and resistance to environmental stress.
Future Agricultural and Commercial Utility
The genomic data provides a base for genetic engineering and molecular breeding. Scientists can use these findings to transfer stress-tolerant genes from the lotus into other agricultural crops. The extended flowering season also offers commercial benefits, creating regular income sources for farmers involved in floriculture and religious markets.
Cultural and Diplomatic Symbolism
India-Vietnam Bilateral Gifting
During the May 2026 state visit, the lotus served as a symbol of shared heritage between India and Vietnam. Alongside the living Namoh 108 Lotus plant, the Indian Prime Minister presented two other culturally symbolic items:
- Brass Buddha Sculpture: A handcrafted statue featuring a detailed Bodhi tree motif, representing the common Buddhist heritage shared by both nations.
- Varanasi Silk Fabric: A traditional, premium textile from Uttar Pradesh that showcases India’s ancient weaving craftsmanship.
Origin of the Name
The name “Namoh” is derived from the Sanskrit word for salutation or obeisance. The variety was originally unveiled to the public in August 2023 and formally dedicated to the nation on India’s 77th Independence Day, before undergoing final genomic documentation.
Comparative Overview of Lotus Varieties
| Feature | Namoh 108 Lotus | Common Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) |
| Petal Count | Exactly 108 petals | Variable, typically 20 to 30 petals |
| Blooming Duration | 10 months (March to December) | 4 to 5 months (Summer/Monsoon) |
| Genomic Status | Fully sequenced genome | Unsequenced or partially mapped wild strains |
| Climatic Tolerance | High resilience to weather fluctuations | Moderate tolerance; highly season-dependent |
IASPOINT Booster Facts for UPSC
- The Genus Nelumbo: There are only two recognized living species in the genus Nelumbo: Nelumbo nucifera (the Asian or Sacred Lotus) and Nelumbo lutea (the American Lotus).
- National Flower Status: The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) was declared the National Flower of India in 1950 due to its deep-rooted presence in Indian mythology, art, and ancient literature.
- CSIR-NBRI: The National Botanical Research Institute is a premier research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It is located in Lucknow and focuses on plant taxonomy, conservation, biotechnology, and regular floricultural developments.
- Sacred Geometry of 108: In Indian traditions, 108 is a number of cosmic wholeness. It forms the basis of prayer beads (malas) and aligns with ancient astronomical calculations regarding the distances between the Earth, Sun, and Moon.
- Lotus Symbolism in Vietnam: The pink lotus is also the national flower of Vietnam, symbolizing purity, commitment, and optimism, making it a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy between New Delhi and Hanoi.