India donates rare white peacock to UNOG, reviving Indira Gandhi’s tradition

Why in news

India donated five peacocks, including a rare white one, to the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) to revive a diplomatic tradition started by Indira Gandhi.

Background

India donated five male peafowl (four blue, one white) to the UNOG. The birds will be housed at the Geneva Bioparc zoo and UN staff before being released into Ariana Park.

Facts for Prelims

• PlaceUNOG: United Nations Office at Geneva is the UN's European headquarters.
• FactThe tradition of donating peacocks to the UN was initiated by Indira Gandhi in 1981.
• EnvironmentThe white peacock is a rare genetic variant of the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus).

For Mains

Q. Discuss the role of 'soft power' and cultural diplomacy in strengthening India's bilateral and multilateral relations with international organizations.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• cultural diplomacy
• soft power projection
• biodiversity conservation as a diplomatic tool

Keywords: soft power · cultural diplomacy · biodiversity · multilateralism

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