The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday issued instructions and directed all States and Union Territories to refrain from presenting bouquets to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tours within India. “No bouquet may be presented to the PM during his tours within India,” the reports said.

Instead, at best, a flower, handkerchief or book may be presented to welcome the dignitary. “All states/UTs are requested to suitably sensitize all concerned to ensure strict compliance of the above instructions,” the Ministry said.

Why Did Modi Say No To Flowers or Bouquets?

During one of his ‘Mann ki Baat’ programs earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said people should gift useful stuff like books or handkerchiefs rather than flower bouquets which land up in the dustbin after few days.

“We should gift Khadi handkerchiefs as it will help poor artisans, and books so that people are inspired to get into the habit of reading,” PM Modi has said. “I would not reject if someone gifts me a bouquet but I feel that this issue should continue to be discussed,” Modi had said.

Earlier on June 17, PM Modi appealed people to give a book instead of a bouquet as a greeting. Addressing the launch of PN Panicker National Reading Day celebrations in Kerala, Prime Minister also said that Kerala had been an inspiration to the whole country in terms of literacy.

PM Modi on bouquets said, “the life span of a bouquet is very short. You receive it in your hand for a moment and then abandon it. But when you present a book, it becomes a part of the household, a part of the family. One can also use a ‘Khadi’ handkerchief to welcome people, and be a support to the innumerable underprivileged. The expenses are reduced as well, and the gift is well utilized too.”

Shashi Tharoor supported PM Modi in this matter.

I support @narendramodi on this: let’s not massacre flowers for transient gratification,but give gifts that endure https://t.co/X218uYl3FB

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 17, 2017

“I believe that reading and knowledge should not be limited only to work related aspects. It should help develop habits of social responsibility, service to the nation and service to humanity. It should cure the evils in society and nation. It should spread the idea of peace along with respect for unity and integrity of the nation. Such a move can make a big difference,” PM Modi said.

“There can be no joy greater than reading & no strength greater than knowledge.”

Modi also shared how he liked the practice of gifting books by PN Panicker Foundation instead of bouquets in Kerala. “I had the opportunity to go for the inaugural function, where I was told that instead of bouquets, they gift books. I liked it.” PM Modi also said that he had set the tradition of gifting Khadi handkerchiefs or books when he was in Gujarat.