In Brief
- India gifted five peacocks, including a rare white one, to the United Nations.
- This act revives a tradition started by Indira Gandhi's 1981 donation.
- The peacock is India's national bird, symbolising the country's rich heritage.
- The five young peacocks comprise four blue peafowl and one white-feathered male, reflecting the blue and white colours associated with the United Nations.
India has renewed a decades-old tradition by gifting five peacocks, including a rare white-feathered variety, to the United Nations. This gesture follows the precedent set by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who donated peacocks to the UN office in 1981. The peacock, celebrated as India's national bird, represents the country’s cultural legacy and biodiversity.
The donation underscores India's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its cultural diplomacy. Officials highlighted that such exchanges help foster goodwill and mutual respect between nations. The inclusion of the rare white-feathered peacock adds symbolic value to the gift, showcasing India's unique wildlife.
This initiative not only honours tradition but also strengthens India's soft power on the global stage. The United Nations reception of the gift signifies a shared appreciation for cultural symbols and biodiversity conservation.
