Vesalu Puro, whose journey from a small floriculture venture in Pfütsero, Phek to a nationally recognised enterprise was highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 30, is seen at her flower garden in Nagaland. (Photo Courtesy: V Puro)
‘Surreal and deeply humbling,’ says Puro on the recognition
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 30
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the journey of Vesalu Puro from Phek district as an example of how a small passion, backed by hard work and scientific guidance, can grow into a larger livelihood opportunity.
Speaking in the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi said Vesalu, who grew up in a farming family and developed a deep love for flowers, began cultivating them on a small scale in 2021 in under in Pfütsero, under Phek district of Nagaland.
“Sometimes a small hobby opens the door to great possibilities in life,” he said, introducing her story as a case in point.
According to the Prime Minister, Vesalu gradually recognised a constant demand for flowers for weddings and other festivals and decided to take her hobby further.
After receiving training in scientific flower cultivation from the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra, she planted thousands of gladiolus bulbs on a quarter-acre of land. Her first attempt produced more than 5,000 flowers.
The success, he said, marked a new beginning, with flowers that were once confined to local markets now travelling from Nagaland to cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.
“Vesalu Puro ji’s journey demonstrates that when a passion is combined with hard work and proper guidance, it can pave the way for new possibilities,” Modi said, according to the English rendering of his address in the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat on August 30, 2026, released by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Press Information Bureau.
Reacting to the mention, Puro said she felt “surreal and deeply humbled” by the recognition.
“I’m truly honoured and grateful that my journey was mentioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat. It’s a moment I will always cherish,” she said.
Puro’s story formed part of a broader episode centred on how individual initiatives, whether in farming, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, history, technology or social action, can create wider change.
As per an ICAR feature, born into a farming family and growing up watching her parents nurture the land, Puro also developed a passion for flowers and ventured into floriculture in 2021 on a small scale.
A turning point came when ICAR–KVK Phek introduced her to the high-yielding Arka Amar gladiolus variety and provided her with 6,000 corms, along with training in scientific cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest management.
KVK scientists also made regular field visits and provided technical guidance throughout the crop cycle, helping develop her flower cultivation into a commercial venture, it maintained.
Encouraged by the success of gladiolus, Puro gradually expanded and diversified her farm into a modern fresh-cut flower enterprise, the feature added.
In October 2025 article by KVK Phek published in The Morung Express reported that Puro, who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialisation in Urban and Rural Community Development, had also been introduced to hydroponics, a method of cultivating plants without soil. She was quoted as being eager to grow more plants and expand the new endeavour.
Meanwhile, the wider episode ranged across themes of history, social change, entrepreneurship and community action. Modi spoke with engineer-turned-history enthusiast Krishna Seshadri about his Bharatyia website, referred to the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign, and highlighted women’s economic empowerment through the PM SVANidhi scheme, noting that women account for around 46% of its beneficiaries.
He also cited community-led initiatives, including youth-led cleanliness efforts in Uttar Pradesh and women-led eco-tourism and conservation in Odisha. The programme further featured Mission ShaktiSAT, avocado cultivation and its market potential, the upcoming birth centenary of actor Uttam Kumar, and renewed the call for Vocal for Local.
