Victoria: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Saturday took part in a Joint Tree Plantation Ceremony under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, reinforcing the shared vision for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The two leaders planted a Coco de Mer sapling, a unique palm tree native exclusive to the Seychelles and internationally famous for producing the largest seed in the plant kingdom and the largest and heaviest fruit on Earth.
“A very special ceremony, highlighting a shared commitment to a greener planet! At the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, took part in the Joint Tree Plantation Ceremony with President Dr. Patrick Herminie. We planted the iconic Coco de Mer, which is unique to Seychelles. Respected widely in Seychelles, it is featured on its coat of arms too. People here celebrate the Coco de Mer for producing among the largest seeds and the heaviest fruits,” PM Modi wrote on X.
“India and Seychelles share a common resolve to safeguard biodiversity, promote environmental stewardship and leave behind a greener, healthier planet for future generations,” he added.
During the visit, PM Modi was seen enthusiastically feeding large turtles in the botanical garden, including the 194-year-old Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.
PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday afternoon to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country’s National Day as the Guest of Honour and further strengthen the bilateral cooperation.
In a special gesture, Seychelles President Patrick Herminie and several top ministers and senior dignitaries welcomed PM Modi at the airport.
PM Modi was greeted by cultural performances on his arrival, including a dance from Kutch.
“Amazing cultural connect! The welcome at the airport in Seychelles included a dance from Kutch. The manner in which our diaspora has preserved and celebrated culture from different parts of India is appreciable,” PM Modi wrote on X.
(IANS)
