Dragon fruit renamed as 'Kamalam'; Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani explains the reason

20-01-2021

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday announced that the state government has decided to rename dragon fruit as kamalam.
According to Rupani, the decision was taken keeping in mind the outer shape of the fruit, which resembles a lotus. �As the outer shape of the fruit resembles a lotus, hence dragon fruit shall be renamed as kamalam," said Rupani. While interacting with the media during the launch of the Chief Minister Horticulture Development Mission on Tuesday, 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." As per the CM, the word dragon for the fruit sounded inappropriate. "The name of dragon fruit is associated with China and we have changed it," he added. In the Sanskrit language, kamalam means lotus. "Even though the fruit is known as dragon fruit, it doesn't sound appropriate. The word kamalam is a Sanskrit word and the fruit does have the shape of the lotus, so we have decided to call it kamalam, and there's nothing political about it," added Rupani. Interestingly, lotus is the symbol of the BJP and the Gujarat BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar is also named 'Shri Kamalam'.

Dragon fruit origin, cost and advantages
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Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit with a unique look and taste. Originating in Central America, it is now cultivated in many countries across the world. Also known as 'pitaya', dragon fruit sells in the Indian cities at Rs 350 to 500 per kilogram. Dragon fruit is believed to be helpful in the treatment of diseases like asthma and diabetes. It also has anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties.