"Photo of the week": UN Geneva spotlights peacocks gifted by India
Geneva, August 9
The official account of the United Nations in Geneva shared stunning visuals of the five peacocks gifted by India, which arrived at the UN Geneva with the hashtag 'Photo of the week'.
In a post on X, UN Geneva termed it a "beautiful gesture' and said, "#PhotoOfTheWeek: Five peacocks arrived at Ariana Park at UN Geneva, thanks to @IndiaUNGeneva: a beautiful gesture tied to India's national bird, continuing a century-old tradition."
The United Nations Geneva has welcomed five young peacocks, a gift from India, to its grounds at the Palace of Nations, continuing a long-standing tradition at the site.
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York, hailed the gift as "another dimension of partnership" between India and the UN.
"Another dimension of partnership: gifts young peacocks to @UNGeneva. As the national bird, peacocks have a special place in the heart of every Indian," the Mission wrote on X.
Welcoming the gift, the UN Geneva wrote, "Move over, panda diplomacy: five young peacocks have arrived at @UNGeneva, a gift from India continuing a tradition older than the UN itself. Meet the newest (and most dazzling) diplomats in Geneva."
The strategic move to introduce four blue peacocks and one rare white male aims to replenish the grounds' peafowl population, which had dwindled to just a single surviving bird. The new arrivals are currently housed in a temporary, spacious aviary in Ariana Park to acclimate to their surroundings before being granted free rein of the estate, according to UN News.
Reflecting on the event, UN Geneva Director-General Tatiana Valovaya stated, "We are very happy to welcome five new peacocks, four blue, one white in typical United Nations colours: blue and white. And we have created a temporary house for them. They will stay here for the next three months...and then they will be allowed to move freely and enjoy the hospitality of the Ariana Park."
This donation marks a continuation of diplomatic history between the UN and India, mirroring a 1981 gesture when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent a breeding pair to Geneva, UN News reported.
Addressing the gesture, Arindam Bagchi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the UN, noted, "This is really a privilege for the Indian mission here to be able to donate five peacocks, 'Pavo cristatus', to [UN Geneva]. There is a tradition of having peacocks here. We have donated in 1981 and are delighted to be able to continue this tradition."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Moving from panda diplomacy to peacock diplomacy – I love it! 😄 The blue and white peacocks even match the UN's official colours, which is such a nice coincidence. This is a small but meaningful gesture that strengthens India's ties with international bodies. Kudos to our mission in Geneva!
It's fascinating to see how cultural diplomacy works at this level. A gift of peacocks continuing a tradition since 1981 shows the long-standing relationship India has with the UN. Also, the fact that they're replenishing the peafowl population there is a nice ecological touch.
While this is lovely, I hope the authorities at UN Geneva take proper care of these birds. Peacocks need space, proper diet, and protection from harsh weather in Geneva. It's a beautiful tradition, but animal welfare should be the top priority. Hope they thrive in their new home.
The peacock has always been a symbol of elegance in Indian tradition. From being our national bird to now becoming "diplomats" at Geneva – it's a proud moment. Also, the reference to 1981 when Indira Gandhi gifted a pair shows we've had this tradition for decades. Well done!
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