Indian scientist Dr Janaki Ammal, who struggled against the odds and male prejudice to make her mark, was one among the eight female horticulturalists celebrated at the show
By Amit RoyJun 02, 2023
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show has celebrated eight ‘Heroines of Horticulture’, among them the Indian scientist Dr Janaki Ammal, who struggled against the odds and especially male prejudice to make their mark.
Ammal, who was born in Kerala in south India in 1897, did cutting-edge research at RHS Wisley in Surrey from 1946-51 and was one of the leading botanists of her time. Magnolia kobus ‘Janaki Ammal’ is named in her honour.
As a young woman she flourished only after she was forced to leave India where her less-talented male colleagues would not allow her to rise. In marked contrast, in the UK, she was headhunted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The RHS, which was founded in 1804 and has been putting on the Chelsea Flower Show for 101 years, felt that women were struggling to get recognition in the higher reaches of the profession. So this year, its director-general, Clare Matterson, decided to do something to correct the inequality that has long existed.
It was Matterson who drew Eastern Eye’s attention to the display in the Great Pavilion at the Chelsea Flower Show, where a poster, ‘Heroines of Horticulture’, said: “For centuries, women have nurtured and studied plants. Yet historically, their roles in horticulture – often perceived as a man’s world– have rarely been recorded.
“We have selected just eight women to highlight. Some are relatively well known, others may be new to you. All were passionate and knowledgeable about plants and gardens and their achievements deserve to be celebrated.”
There were large images of eight women, with a brief write-up on each one.
The one on Ammal said: “Plant Scientist. 1897-1984. Edavalath Kakkat Janaki Ammal was the first Indian woman to receive a PhD in botany. She studied plant genetics in the US and used her expertise to develop sugarcane crops suited to India’s climate. She moved to England and became the first female scientist at Wisley where she studied how to rapidly grow larger plants using colchicine. She returned to India at the request of the prime minister to use her knowledge to help increase food production. She became an advocate for the preservation of native plants.”
Ammal was given to wearing white cotton saris and chappals even in the snows of Surrey. If Eastern Eye readers make the journey to RHS Wisley, they will find her photograph prominently displayed at the “Old Lab”, which opened as a museum in March this year but where science experiments were once carried out by Ammal and her colleagues.
A label, “From lab to landscape”, next to her photograph says: “Dr Janaki Ammal was the first female scientist to be employed at Wisley.”
It adds that she examined “the genetic characteristics of cultivated plants. People have been breeding plants to create new improved varieties for centuries, but Dr Janaki Ammal pioneered new ways of manipulating the number of chromosomes to produce new varieties.
“Some of her plants still grow on Battleston Hill in the Gardens here today.”
Fiona Davison, RHS head of libraries, has told Eastern Eye that Ammal “worked on genetic manipulation and chromosome counting. And she manipulated the number of chromosomes, particularly in magnolias, to create brand new magnolias with bigger, more robust blooms.
“Dr Ammal developed a reputation in the 1940s when gene manipulation was really very new. She was a cutting-edge scientist in that regard.
“She came to England because she was having trouble in India as a woman, and she was from what was regarded as a lower-caste family. There was a glass ceiling within the Indian academic world that she wasn’t breaking through. So she came to England to work first at the John Innes Institute. And then the RHS head-hunted her from there.”
In a journal called Plant Review, her “remarkable contribution” has been recounted in an essay, “A wanderer of many worlds”.
The article said: “While working as a lecturer at the Women’s Christian College, Madras, in the early 1920s she received a scholarship from the University of Michigan to study botany where she achieved a Master of Science in 1925 and, in 1931, became the first female Doctor of Botany in the United States.
“Though Janaki had enjoyed her time with the RHS, she returned to India in 1951 following an invitation by Jawaharlal Nehru, prime minister of the newly independent country, to lead a project to reorganise the Botanical Survey of India. In 1977 the government of India gave Janaki one of its most prestigious awards, the Padma Shri.”
Alongside Ammal, the other Heroines of Horticulture include campaigner Wangari Muta Maathai (1940-2011), who became the first black African woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. The Green Belt Movement, which she founded, empowered women to fight deforestation in Kenya, leading to the planting of more than 20 million trees and inspiring the creation of similar projects across Africa.
Also in the group of eight are garden designer Gertrude Jekyll (1843 1932); plantswoman and author Vita Sackville West (1892-1962), who developed Sissinghurst Castle Garden alongside her husband Harold Nicolson; and florist Constance Spry (1886-1960), who was the first “domestic Goddess”, the author of 13 books and was responsible for the flowers at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and the famous ‘Coronation Chicken’.
The other three are rose expert Ellen Wilmott (1858 1934); Beth Chatto (1923-2018), who won 10 gold medals at Chelsea; and plant collector and illustrator Marianne North (1830-1890) who painted more than 900 species while travelling solo around the world.
An article in the Chelsea Flower Show Guide 2023 by Louise Curley noted that “through history, women have had to defy repressive societal norms to pursue their passion for plants”.
It says: “Today, women can be found in roles across the industry: nursery owners, garden designers, plant scientists, cut flower growers, food producers, professional gardeners, modern-day plant hunters and garden writers. Once a male-only institution, the RHS had its first female president, landscape designer Elizabeth Banks, from 2010-2013, and the current director-general, Clare Matterson CBE, took over the reins from Sue Biggs last year. However, women are still under-represented, especially in sectors such as arboriculture and landscaping, and there is still a gender pay – and opportunity – gap across the industry.”
Pollyanna Wilkinson, who designed the Heroines of Horticulture display, was quoted as saying: “When I teach garden design, 90 per cent of the students are female, but that doesn’t translate into the number of female designers on Main Avenue at Chelsea. I retrained as a garden designer when I had young children and it can be a wonderful profession if you need to balance work and life commitments. Creating a show garden, however, requires a huge amount of time and is difficult for anyone. If you’re also having to marry that with childcare or any number of other tasks, it’s very hard.”
Nevertheless, Wilkinson “hopes that in highlighting the invaluable contributions of female horticulturists both past and present, more women may be encouraged to pursue a rewarding career with plants in future”.
Bieber posted over a dozen updates in a matter of hours, many of them laced with frustration. One post read, “Happy daddy day to me u lil ho,” while another simply stated, “quit f–ing with me. I’m really not the one.” Accompanying the messages were moody selfies and a video of him silently shaking his head with the caption “how I feel about you.”
The timing raised even more eyebrows. Just days earlier, Justin had an angry confrontation with paparazzi outside Soho House in Malibu. When one photographer wished him a happy Father’s Day, Bieber snapped: “You don’t go to people you don’t know and say sh–t out of nowhere with a camera in their face.” He went on to say, “I’m a father. I’m a dad. You guys are on private property.”
The next day, he followed up with unseen photos of his baby boy, Jack Blues, and captioned it with a middle finger emoji and the phrase “ay bay bay.” His wife Hailey, who gave birth to their son in August 2024, liked the post, but fans remained unsettled.
Fans express concern over Bieber’s emotional health
Longtime followers have noted a pattern in Bieber’s recent behaviour. Last week, he lamented on Instagram about feeling drained by “transactional relationships.” In his story, he wrote, “If I have to do something to be loved, that’s not love.” In another post, he added, “I don’t think any of us can handle hearing ‘try harder and you’ll be like me.’”
Though some fans supported his right to speak openly, many expressed worry. Comments ranged from “I love you but I’m worried, king,” to “I just hope you find peace.”
While his representative previously dismissed drug rumours as “pitiful and exhausting,” Bieber’s emotional vulnerability and anger continue to fuel speculation. As of now, he hasn’t addressed the backlash or clarified the meaning behind his Father’s Day posts.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
In the wake of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, London came together in an emotional outpouring of grief and unity at the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow. Over two solemn days, the revered spiritual haven hosted a series of powerful ceremonies led by His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji, drawing together faith leaders, public figures, and residents from across communities.
On the day of the tragedy, Guruji led a spiritually charged recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa 12 times, joined by a team of spiritual practitioners from India. The prayer created a deep atmosphere of collective mourning and healing.
“Prayer is our greatest strength in the face of such loss,” Guruji said. “We do not grieve as Hindus, Muslims, or Christians — we grieve as one humanity.”
The prayer service was attended by several distinguished figures, including Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports.
Two days later, on June 14, Siddhashram partnered with the Harrow Interfaith Forum to host a candlelight vigil — a remarkable expression of unity, attended by representatives of Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, and Zoroastrian communities. Children from the temple led the lighting of candles, setting the tone for an evening of shared sorrow, solidarity, and prayer.
Key dignitaries included:
Simon Ovens DL, Representative of His Majesty King Charles III, who read a message of royal condolence and described the gathering as a reflection of “true British compassion.”
Cllr Anjana Patel, Worshipful Mayor of Harrow, who spoke with visible emotion as a member of the grieving Gujarati community.
Bob Blackman CBE, MP for Harrow East, offered messages of comfort and pledged support for those affected.
Kareema Marikar, former Harrow Mayor, recited a heartfelt Muslim prayer.
Mahavir Foundation’s Nita Sheth and Mukesh Kapashi, who led Jain prayers.
Bobbi Reisel, Jewish representative from Bereavement Care Harrow, who offered messages of solace.
Dorab Mistry, representing the Zoroastrian community, and
Gopal Singh Bhachu, Chair of Harrow Interfaith Forum, who led Sikh prayers with fellow community leaders.
PC Elaine Jackson, Met Police Faith Officer, attended in support of the event’s interfaith spirit.
Attendees travelled from across the UK, including Leicester, to be present. Musicians lifted spirits through devotional melodies, and volunteers ensured all were cared for on a sweltering summer day.
The Siddhashram Shakti Centre, long a sanctuary for spiritual guidance and community healing, once again stood at the heart of London’s collective conscience. As Guruji reflected, “In our unity, we find peace, in prayer, we carry the light of those we lost.”
Executives from the Madhvani Group, including Shrai Madhvani, his wife Aparna Madhvani, and director Nitin Gadhia, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence in New Delhi on Saturday to discuss the group’s proposed investments in India, including the acquisition of Hindustan National Glass Ltd (HNGIL).
The meeting focused on the group's plans to invest in India through INSCO, which is seeking to acquire HNGIL, the country’s largest container glass manufacturer. The acquisition is currently awaiting approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), following key rulings by the Supreme Court of India on January 29 and May 16, 2025.
On the same day, the Committee of Creditors, led by the State Bank of India, approved INSCO’s resolution plan with 96.14% voting in favour.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the proposed investment, highlighting its potential to generate employment and contribute to India’s economic development.
During the meeting, Madhvani presented Modi with Tide of Fortune, a book written by his late father, Manubhai Madhvani, and Flowers from the Bhagavad Gita, authored by his brother, Kamlesh Madhvani. Aparna Madhvani also shared two poems she had written for the Prime Minister as a personal tribute.
Keep ReadingShow less
Fielder’s work often revolves around themes of performance in everyday life
Canadian comedian and writer Nathan Fielder has long been known for his unconventional television work. Gaining recognition through Nathan for You, Fielder built a reputation for creating boundary-pushing, satirical content that blurred the lines between reality and performance. One of the most talked-about episodes involved a frozen yoghurt flavour that deliberately tasted unpleasant, while The Rehearsal, another of his projects, explored the complexities of human behaviour by meticulously recreating real-life scenarios to prepare people for difficult conversations or events.
Fielder’s work often revolves around themes of performance in everyday life, the blending of public and private personas, and the anxiety surrounding authenticity. His limited media presence and rare interviews add to the intrigue, leaving audiences unsure whether he is playing a version of himself or deliberately maintaining a fictional persona.
The Curse and a shift to fictional storytelling
In 2023, Fielder made a significant shift in his career by co-creating and starring in The Curse, a limited series that further explored his interests through scripted drama. Co-created with filmmaker Benny Safdie, the show also stars Academy Award-winner Emma Stone. This marked a departure from Fielder’s earlier, semi-documentary style work and introduced him into the realm of fictional narrative television.
The Curse follows a married couple, played by Fielder and Stone, who are producing a home improvement reality show while also trying to start a family. Their personal and professional lives take a dark turn after an unsettling encounter with a young child who places a curse on them. The story examines themes such as performative activism, media manipulation, and the illusion of kindness, set against the backdrop of a seemingly well-intentioned couple who struggle with their own moral contradictions.
Nolan’s high praise for the series
Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan expressed his admiration for The Curse in an interview, describing it as a rare and groundbreaking piece of television. “It’s an incredible show, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television before,” Nolan said. “There are so few shows that come along that have genuinely no precedence. You’re going back to things like Twin Peaks, or The Prisoner, or Dennis Potter’s The Singing Detective… you’re in an amazing space, and I can’t wait to catch up with the climax.”
Nolan’s comments place The Curse among some of the most influential and surreal television dramas of the past, underlining its unconventional storytelling and emotional impact.
Critical reception and cultural relevance
The Curse has received praise for its sharp commentary on social media, authenticity, and the performance of morality in the public eye. The show’s unsettling tone and layered narrative structure have sparked discussions around the ethics of entertainment and the lines between fiction and reality.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes TV
Emma Stone’s participation in the project aligns with her previous roles in unconventional films, particularly her collaborations with director Yorgos Lanthimos. Her performance, alongside Fielder’s restrained and often ambiguous portrayal, has been noted for adding depth to the show’s central themes.
A bold entry into prestige television
With The Curse, Nathan Fielder has successfully transitioned into the world of prestige television drama, maintaining the thematic interests that defined his earlier work while exploring them in a new, scripted format. The show’s ability to provoke discussion, confuse genre expectations, and attract praise from figures like Christopher Nolan marks it as a standout series in today’s media landscape.
Whether audiences view it as satire, drama, or something in between, The Curse demonstrates Fielder’s continued commitment to challenging conventional storytelling, and his growing influence in both comedy and drama alike.
Keep ReadingShow less
Smoke billows for the second day from the Shahran oil depot, northwest of Tehran, on June 16, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA has moved some of its citizens, including students, to safer locations in Iran following days of deadly Israeli strikes. The Indian embassy in Tehran is monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to help Indian nationals amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
"The Indian embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety," said a statement from the ministry of external affairs. "In some cases, students are being relocated with (the) embassy's facilitation to safer places within Iran."
The ministry said there are around 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including more than 2,000 students, according to government data from last year and 2022, respectively.
Iran closed its airspace after the Israeli attacks began on Friday. India, which maintains diplomatic relations with both Iran and Israel, has urged restraint. "Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised," said foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. On Friday, India said it was ready “to extend all possible support” to both sides.
Casualties reported on both sides
Iran's health ministry reported that at least 224 people had been killed in Israeli strikes since Friday, while Israeli authorities confirmed more than a dozen deaths following retaliatory Iranian attacks. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said five people had been killed and 92 wounded in the latest Iranian missile barrage.
Iran launches missile strikes on Tel Aviv
Iran launched missile strikes early Monday on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and areas near Haifa, in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Iranian military targets over the weekend. Israeli military officials said the strikes targeted missile sites in central Iran. AFP images showed damage to residential areas in Tel Aviv, while explosions were reported in Jerusalem.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had “successfully” struck Israeli targets and warned of “effective, targeted and more devastating operations” if attacks continued.
‘A heavy price’ for targeting civilians, says Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of targeting civilians and warned of consequences. “Iran will pay a very heavy price for the premeditated murder of civilians, women and children,” he said during a visit to a missile-hit residential building in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv.
Iranian state media said five people were killed in an Israeli strike on a residential building in central Tehran on Sunday. Iran’s armed forces spokesperson Colonel Reza Sayyad warned Israel to evacuate the occupied territories, saying they “will certainly no longer be habitable in the future”.
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian called for national unity in response to Israeli attacks. “Stand strong against this genocidal criminal aggression with unity and coherence,” he said while addressing parliament.
Tensions rise as global leaders call for restraint
Former US president Donald Trump said the United States was not involved in the Israeli strikes but warned of consequences if American interests were attacked. “Sometimes they have to fight it out, but we’re going to see what happens,” Trump told reporters on Sunday.
A senior US official told AFP that Trump had discouraged Israel from targeting Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “President Trump was against it and we told the Israelis not to,” the official said.
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said Tehran would “pay the price” for attacks on Israeli civilians. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Tehran had “solid proof” of US support for the Israeli attacks and said Iran’s response was to “aggression”.
“If the aggression stops, naturally our responses will also stop,” Araghchi said in a meeting with foreign diplomats.
Iran cancelled nuclear talks with the US and called negotiations “meaningless” during active hostilities. The Iranian judiciary announced on Monday that a convicted Mossad agent had been executed. Meanwhile, Israel said it had detained two individuals with alleged links to Iranian intelligence.