On International Women’s Day, Shefali Razdan Duggal, the United States Ambassador to the Netherlands, commemorated the occasion by christening a tulip with her name, known as Tulipa Shefali. This act symbolized a significant honor, considering the tulip’s esteemed status as a potent emblem of the Netherlands, similar to when First Lady Jill Biden was honored with tulips named after her in 2023.
At the US Ambassador’s Residence in The Hague, Duggal collaborated with Keukenhof gardeners to plant the tulip bulbs, expressing gratitude for being among those recognized in this manner. She articulated her appreciation for the tulip’s timeless beauty, emphasizing its significance as a representation of the Dutch Kingdom, particularly on International Women’s Day, as the first ambassador to receive such recognition.
In a statement shared on X, Duggal conveyed her profound joy and gratitude for sharing this momentous occasion with her cherished family and friends. The origin of the Shefali tulip traces back to 2009, characterized by its pink hue and unique resilience against the Fusarium fungus, ensuring its bloom from early January to Mother’s Day.
Hailing from Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh, Duggal relocated to the United States during her youth, growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She pursued her education at Miami University in Oxford, earning a B.S. in mass communication with a minor in political science, followed by an M.A. in media ecology from New York University, as detailed on her website.
Duggal’s advocacy extends to inclusive women’s rights, evident in her role as an “International Gender Champion” and her leadership in various national-level political campaigns. Additionally, she has served on esteemed boards, including Emily’s List from 2014 to 2020, and was appointed by the president to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council from 2014 to 2018.
