Chandigarh Museum Cultivates India-New Zealand Ties Through Trees

The Museum of Trees in Chandigarh has emerged as a unique initiative fostering cultural and ecological ties between India and New Zealand. Opened in 2020, the museum is dedicated to preserving sacred, rare, and culturally significant trees through innovative cloning and scientific propagation techniques. Curated by retired IAS officer D.S. Jaspal and supported by the Chandigarh Nature and Health Society and India’s Ministry of Culture, it currently houses hundreds of species, including genetic replicas of trees that hold spiritual significance for Sikhism.

During a visit to New Zealand as part of a high-powered business delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Aman Jaspal, Co-Founder and Assistant Curator of the museum, is actively working to enhance cooperation between the two nations in areas such as sustainability, culture, and investment. Jaspal presented a copy of his book, Tryst with Trees, which details the Museum’s initiatives and goals.

The museum has taken a significant step towards global engagement with the establishment of its “Kiwi Grove,” which features native New Zealand species like kauri, totara, and black beech. In late October, a manuka sapling was ceremonially planted, symbolizing a commitment to ecological friendship between India and New Zealand. This initiative also aims to create connections between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and interpersonal relationships across borders.

Aman’s sister, Sameena Jaspal, a co-founder of the museum, has played a vital role in the development of the Kiwi Grove, leveraging her professional and personal ties to New Zealand. The museum employs advanced propagation techniques, including plant breeding and quarantine facilities, enabling the nurturing of southern-hemisphere plant species in Indian conditions.

The cultural exchanges fostered by the Kiwi Grove extend beyond mere symbolism. They serve a strategic purpose by promoting goodwill and facilitating research and conservation partnerships. This collaboration highlights the strengths of both nations; New Zealand’s expertise in forestry and agriculture complements India’s rich biodiversity and innovative practices.

These people-to-people connections align with the ongoing negotiations for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which commenced in March 2025. This agreement emphasizes labour mobility, education, and cultural exchange as foundational elements, with initiatives like the Kiwi Grove contributing to a social framework for enhanced economic cooperation.

Despite its modest size, the Kiwi Grove represents a significant diplomatic gesture, serving as a shared space where trade discussions can gain a human and ecological perspective. Both Aman and Sameena Jaspal, based in Chandigarh, also operate an immigration consultancy that facilitates mobility between India and New Zealand, further exemplifying their commitment to nurturing relationships and collaborative efforts between the two countries.

In essence, the Museum of Trees stands not only as a testament to the importance of biodiversity but also as a living symbol of the growing friendship between India and New Zealand. Through initiatives like the Kiwi Grove, both nations are building a future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.