The Gujarat government has renamed dragon fruit as ‘Kamalam’ as the outer shape of the fruit resembles a lotus, said chief minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday.
“The name of dragon fruit is associated with China and we have changed it,” he added.
Kamalam in Sanskrit means lotus. Dragon Fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years, is a tropical fruit with a unique look and taste.
Interacting with the media on Tuesday during the launch of the Chief Minister Horticulture Development Mission, Rupani said, “We have applied for the patent of the Dragon fruit to be called as Kamalam. But as of now, we the Gujarat government have decided to call the fruit as Kamalam.”
According to the CM, the fruit has long since been grown as a form of cactus in the country. “Nobody has to be alarmed by the word Kamalam,” Rupani added.
Interestingly, lotus is the symbol of BJP and the state BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar is also named ‘Shri Kamalam’.
