21st World Rose Convention 2028 in Bhopal

22/04/2026

We are delighted to share our preview film, “A Celebration of Roses — A Preview of World Rose Convention 2028, Bhopal.”

Presented during the Fukuyama Convention, this film introduces Bhopal, India as the host city of the 21st World Rose Convention 2028.

This is a pre-event showcase created to present the vision, beauty, rose heritage, culture, and hospitality of Bhopal, and to warmly invite the global rose community to join us in 2028.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNIBwzdRvdI

A Celebration of Roses — Preview of the World Rose Convention 2028, Bhopal

09/07/2025

🌹 A Historic Moment of Recognition and Pride 🇮🇳✨

We are honoured to share this special video featuring the Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel, as he congratulates the Madhya Pradesh Rose Society on securing the hosting rights for the 21st World Rose Convention 2028 — to be held in Bhopal for the first time in India’s history.

In his inspiring address from Raj Bhavan, the Governor applauds the society’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership in bringing this prestigious global event to India under the aegis of the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS).

🎥 Watch the full video here to hear his words of encouragement and pride as India prepares to welcome the world through roses:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_hpbDE9-D8

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This video features the inspiring speech by the Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, extending heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Madhya Prades...

09/07/2025

🌹 Presentation of WRC 2028 to the Hon’ble Governor During WFRS Flag Handover Ceremony 🌹

We are honoured to share this special video featuring the official presentation of the 21st World Rose Convention 2028 to be hosted in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, by Mr. Sushil Prakash, President of the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS), to the Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel.

This moment took place during the WFRS flag handover ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Bhopal — a symbolic and significant milestone formally acknowledging India as the next host of this prestigious global event.

Organized by the Madhya Pradesh Rose Society, with the support of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the event highlighted India’s readiness to welcome rose enthusiasts, horticulturists, and delegates from around the world.

The World Rose Convention, a triennial event under the WFRS, will be hosted in India for the very first time, marking a moment of pride for the entire nation.

🎥 Watch the full video here:
👉 https://youtu.be/ZFKmht6hEoY

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This video captures a significant milestone on India’s rose journey — the official presentation of the 21st World Rose Convention 2028, to be hosted in Bhopa...

09/07/2025

🌹 WFRS Flag Handed Over to Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh 🌹

The Madhya Pradesh Rose Society had the honour of presenting the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) flag to the Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel, following our return from the World Rose Convention 2025 in Fukuyama, Japan.

Before departing for Fukuyama earlier this year, we met the Governor — our Chief Patron — to seek his blessings for Bhopal’s bid to host WRC 2028. With his encouragement and the support of rose lovers across the city, Bhopal was unanimously awarded the hosting rights for the 21st World Rose Convention, scheduled to be held from January 7–13, 2028.

In his powerful address, Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel described the occasion as:

“A historic and proud moment for India... a symbol of India’s growing global stature and a step towards establishing India as a Vishwaguru.”

He called the WFRS flag a representation of our “grand responsibility” and an “unprecedented opportunity for global dialogue and hospitality.”

The flag, brought back from Fukuyama, was ceremonially handed over to the Governor by:
• Shri Sushil Prakash, President, World Federation of Rose Societies
• Shri S.S. Gadre, President, Madhya Pradesh Rose Society
• Shri Laksmendra Maheshwari, Past President, Madhya Pradesh Rose Society
• Smt. Prerna Prakash, Joint Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Rose Society

The ceremony was also addressed by:
• Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments — emphasizing Madhya Pradesh’s tourism potential
• Dr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture — delivering the introductory address and highlighting that WRC 2028 presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase Madhya Pradesh tourism to the world
• Shri Sushil Prakash, President, WFRS — presenting the roadmap and vision for WRC 2028
• Shri S.S. Gadre, President, Madhya Pradesh Rose Society — delivering the vote of thanks

Also present on stage as a distinguished guest:
• Shri Anupam Rajan, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Horticulture, and Food Processing

07/07/2025

🌹 A Moment of Pride at the Embassy of India, Tokyo 🇯🇵🌹

As delegates of the World Rose Convention 2025 in Japan, we had the honour of visiting the Embassy of India in Tokyo, where we were graciously welcomed by Ambassador Sibi George, the Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Japan.

As we stood within the embassy walls that echo India’s vibrant heritage and global friendships, we experienced a warm reception that beautifully captured the spirit of Indian diplomacy abroad. Ambassador Sibi George shared heartfelt words of appreciation and encouragement, expressing immense pride in India being chosen as the host for the next World Rose Convention in 2028. His thoughtful remarks resonated deeply with all of us and reaffirmed the importance of India’s growing presence on the global horticultural stage.

In a further gesture of strong support for India's role during the convention, Mr. Ramkumar Chakravarty, Consul General of India in Fukuoka, also represented India at the prestigious WFRS Flag Handing Ceremony. His presence added great dignity to the occasion and reaffirmed India’s commitment as the proud host of the World Rose Convention 2028 in Bhopal.

This memorable visit marks yet another beautiful chapter in India’s rose journey — one filled with diplomacy, beauty, and international friendship. We now look ahead with excitement to WRC 2028 in Bhopal, where India will welcome the world once more with open arms and blooming roses.

From left to right in the photograph:
• Mr. Sushil Prakash, President, World Federation of Rose Societies
• Mrs. Dipa Prakash, Spokesperson for World Rose Convention 2028 in Bhopal
• Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan
• Mrs. Girija Viraraghavan, WFRS Literary Awardee and World-renowned Rose Hybridizer
• Mr. S.S. Gadre, President, Madhya Pradesh Rose Society

29/06/2025

🌹 WFRS Literary Award 2025 🇮🇳

📖 "Roses in the Fire of Spring" by M.S. ‘Viru’ Viraraghavan & Girija Viraraghavan

At the 2025 World Rose Convention in Fukuyama, Japan, India bloomed with pride as the WFRS Literary Award was presented to the epic and inspiring work "Roses in the Fire of Spring" — co-authored by internationally renowned rose hybridizers, M.S. ‘Viru’ Viraraghavan and Girija Viraraghavan.

Mrs. Girija Viraraghavan received the award with deep emotion, reflecting on the legacy she built alongside her late husband. The moment was not only one of honour, but also remembrance — of a partnership rooted in roses and driven by purpose.

Spanning over half a century, this extraordinary book chronicles their ground breaking work in breeding roses resilient to a rapidly warming world. It’s part memoir, part travelogue — taking readers across continents, into forests and mountains, through world-famous gardens and remote villages, from Uruguay to Japan, Germany to Australia.

🌿 Rich with horticultural insight, intimate anecdotes, stunning photographs, and reflections on climate-conscious breeding, the book also charts out country-wise possibilities for the future of rose hybridization — from China to Africa, subtropical Asia to the Middle East.

💐 A powerful celebration of passion, perseverance, and planetary care — this book is a must-read for gardeners, hybridizers, environmentalists, and every rose lover.

🇮🇳 A proud and historic moment for India on the global stage.

18/06/2025

Mr. Sushil Prakash, President of the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS), in conversation with Mrs. Henriane de Brey, former WFRS President (2018–2022) during Gala dinner of World Rose Convention 2025 in Fukuyama, Japan.