AQUARIUM PROJECT IN PURI ORISSA FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Srendranath Naik Minister of Agriculture Japan Schedule 2008
　India Japan FriendshipYear 2007 Massege

Nowadays, with an increasing demand in the Info-Tech industry
and other computer-science oriented fields,
the number of Indians working in Japan is increasing steadily.
Consequently, interest in India
is growing in Japan, and there is a rapid increase
in business and cultural events being held
here in connection with India, such as introducing
traditional dance (Odissi, BharataNatyam etc), Yoga
classes, Ayurveda (Indian system of Medicine which is
mostly used for aesthetic therapy in Japan) and so on.

Though it is really nice to know this, recently it seems
that Indians living in Japan have some queries like this:

"I don't know where I should inquire about issues or
extending my Visa. How can I get information about these?"

"I know some Indian traditional events are going on here
but is there an Indian film event or any event of
cultural exchange?"

"I want to meet Japanese people my age and speak with them,
but where I can do it?"

Yes, these are Frequently Asked Questions!
Though events in connection with India are increasing, as
mentioned earlier, they are mainly exchanges between
groups which are involved in the same kind of
activity (traditional dance for ex,) and the average Indian
workers here are not yet a true part of the cultural
exchange, as observed. Even though they are eager to speak
with Japanese people their age, they hardly find a place to do
so even by chance!

On the other hand, even Japanese people have not yet thrown
away their fixed images and thoughts about India.
Even among the people who say "I like India" or "I like
Indian food..!", those who actually meet Indians
and speak with them to have a real 'exchange of ideas' are
really a few in number.

Hence, the birth of The 'IndiaJapan Friendship Club',
who's aim is the grass-roots level of cultural exchange,
with Indians and Japanese participating in casual talks,
meetings and mini- cultural events. This hands-on cultural
exchange environment is in place and growing.
Once a month,
a friendly gathering takes place
in
an Indian restaurant called,SANTANA in Osaka, with casual talks,
discussions, inquiries, information-sharing, etc.

The objective of the present IndiaJapan Friendship Club, is such a 'link between persons' spreading soon and creating a strong
network in Kansai, in Japan and in the World.
This step by step development is being worked
out, not only at the grass-roots level, but also at enterprising
levels like establishing The (CHANDRA SEKHAR ACADEMY)
for teaching Japanese in India.

The foremost step, organizing a 'get-together' of
Indians in Japan, requires your active
participation.
We eagerly, look forward to the enthusiastic
participation of all of you, in making the India-Japan Friendship Club a great
success!