About Us
HISTORY AND OBJECTIVES
The Bengal Rose Society, established in 1980, has been dedicated to promoting the culture and improvement of roses in West Bengal and other parts of India. Affiliated with The Indian Rose Federation (http://www.indianrosefederation.com), the society is connected to The World Federation of Rose Societies (http://www.worldrose.org), fostering global connections and knowledge sharing.
The society organizes an annual Rose Show every January, showcasing exquisite roses and promoting horticultural excellence. Additionally, it publishes the esteemed ‘Rose Annual’ and other periodicals, featuring articles by renowned experts from India and abroad. These publications cover various aspects of rose cultivation, from art to commerce. The society has also produced an internationally acclaimed monograph, ‘Wonderful Rose Gardens around the World’, a treasured collector’s item.
Regular seminars and workshops are conducted by the society, focusing on cultural and commercial aspects of rose cultivation. As a registered body since 1981, the society has hosted three All India Rose Conventions and Rose Shows in Kolkata, under the aegis of the Indian Rose Federation, in 1991, 2005, and 2017. In January 2020, it partnered with The Agri-Horticultural Society of India to organize the WFRS Regional Rose Convention 2020 and the 38th All India Rose Show in Kolkata.
The society boasts a team of expert members who provide guidance and advice to rose enthusiasts and institutions. These experts offer consultancy services on rose gardening, having worked with esteemed clients such as the High Court of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial Hall, and others.Bengal Rose Society experts played a significant role in preparing gardens for the WFRS World Regional Convention in Hyderabad. Some members have developed innovative skills in soil-less rose culture, producing outstanding roses in pots that have garnered national and international recognition.
The society has been fortunate to have accomplished breeders and creative members, starting with its founder-member, Late Dr. Shibaprasad Bandyopadhyay. Many members have bred nationally recognized and acclaimed rose varieties, with some listed in international registers. Several members have received the prestigious “Vijay Pokarna Gold Medal and Gurubaksh Singh Gold Medal” of Indian Rose Federation for their excellence in rose culture and breeding, including Mr. & Mrs. Subrata and Sandhya Ghosh, Dr. Kalyan Chakrabarti, Mr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Mr. Sekhar Datta, Mr. Pranabir Maity, Mr. Tapan Maiti, Dr. Narendra Dadlani, Mr. Meghbaran Guin and Mr. Nimai Mukherjee.
WHAT WE DO
As a rose society, we believe it’s essential to spread awareness about the beauty, importance, and benefits of rose plants. Roses are not just stunning additions to our gardens and homes, but they also play a significant role in pollination, support biodiversity, and have been used for centuries in medicine, perfumery, and culinary arts. By educating people about the value of roses, we hope to inspire a new generation of rose enthusiasts, gardeners, and environmental stewards. Through our awareness efforts, we aim to share the joy of rose cultivation, promote sustainable gardening practices, and celebrate the universal language of roses that brings people together across cultures and borders. We are working to encourage common standards for judging new seedling roses.
The Bengal Rose Society (BRS) serves as a global hub for rose enthusiasts, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and expertise about roses worldwide. Each national rose society has extensive knowledge about roses in their respective countries, including their history, blooming seasons, popular varieties, rose shows, trials, conventions, renowned gardens, nurseries, and hybridizers. To make this wealth of information more accessible globally, the BRS maintains a comprehensive online database of contact and event information for each member society, and publishes the World Rose News newsletter several times a year, keeping the global rose community connected and informed.
“We’re often chasing a vision of a magical rose garden, somewhere far away, when in reality, beauty is already blooming at our doorstep. Let’s join forces to nurture roses and create a stunning, thriving environment that brings joy to all!”
VISION
The Bengal Rose Society envisions a future where rose cultivation and appreciation are accessible to all. We strive to create a community that celebrates the beauty and significance of roses, driving innovation and excellence in the field. Through education, research, and advocacy, we aim to make Bengal a hub for rose tourism and a center for rose-related knowledge.
MISSION
The Bengal Rose Society is dedicated to promoting and preserving the art and science of rose cultivation, while fostering a community of enthusiasts who share a passion for roses. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and support our members in their pursuit of excellence in rose growing, arrangement, and appreciation.
EVOLUTION
As the Bengal Rose Society evolves, we strive to adapt and innovate, embracing new technologies, techniques, and trends in rose cultivation and appreciation. We aim to expand our reach and inclusivity, welcoming diverse perspectives and expertise, while deepening our connections with the community and the environment.
