PM Modi plants sindoor tree at his Delhi residence: What is this plant and what are its benefits?

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a special sapling at his residence in New Delhi, the sindoor plant. This plant was gifted to him by women from Bhuj, Gujarat, who played a key role during the 1971 war. But what exactly is the sindoor plant, and why is it so significant? Let’s explore.

The sindoor plant is commonly known as Bixa orellana. It is a small tree or shrub with bright green leaves and pink flowers. The seeds of this plant are covered with a red-orange coating, which has been used for centuries to make natural dye. In India, the red powder traditionally worn by married women in the parting of their hair is called sindoor, and the plant is named after it due to its colour.

In Indian culture, sindoor holds a strong symbolic meaning, especially for married women. The plant's pigment is believed to be the natural source of the bright red sindoor powder. While modern sindoor is often made with chemicals, earlier it was prepared from natural substances like turmeric and the red pigment from the Bixa orellana seeds.

The sindoor plant isn’t just symbolic; it has several health benefits too. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat wounds, skin conditions, and even infections. The natural dye extracted from its seeds is known to be non-toxic and safe for external use. Some herbal practices also use its extracts for digestion and inflammation.

By planting the sindoor plant, PM Modi not only paid tribute to the brave women of Bhuj who helped rebuild a runway during the 1971 war but also promoted environmental awareness. “During my recent visit to Gujarat, the brave women of Kutch, mothers and sisters who showed remarkable courage and strength during the 1971 war, gifted me a sindoor plant. On this World Environment Day, I had the privilege of planting it at the prime minister’s residence in New Delhi. This plant will always stand as a powerful symbol of the spirit, bravery, and inspiration of the women of our country,” Modi wrote in a post on X.