- More than 135 companies, ranging from automobile, banking to construction and pharma, have made a Mini-Japan in Gujarat
- Kaizen is being used in many departments, institutions and schemes of the Central Government now
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 27
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a one of its kind ZEN Garden and KAIZEN Academy on the campus of the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) on Sunday.
In his opening speech, Narendra Modi said, “What is ‘Zen’ in Japan is ‘Dhyan’ in India. Inner peace along with outer progress and growth is hallmark of the two cultures.
Talking about significance of Kaizen practice, Modi said, “Kaizen is being used in many departments, institutions and schemes of the Central Government now.” PM elaborated on his vision of creating a Mini-Japan in Gujarat, and said, ”More than 135 companies, ranging from automobile, banking to construction and pharma, have made Gujarat their base. We have the confidence of centuries old cultural relations and also a common vision for the future:
“This unique creation ‘Zen Garden – Kaizen Academy’ is a joint endeavour of the Japan Information & Study Centre at the AMA and the Indo-Japan Friendship Association (IJFA), Gujarat, supported by the Hyogo International Association (HIA) Japan,” said Mukesh Patel, President of IJFA Gujarat and founder of Japan Information and Study Centre, at AMA.
“The Scintillating Ambience of the Kaizen Academy supported by KHS Machinery adjoins the elegance and beauty of a traditional Japanese Zen Garden.” informed Yatindra Sharma, Chairman of Economic Co-operation Council, IJFA and MD of KHS Machinery Ltd.
“The Hyogo Prefectural Government through the Hyogo International Association Gifted to AMA a variety of artistic and decorative Awaji Tiles, a Specialty Product of Hyogo, for use in the Garden Pavements, Gazebo and walls. This was a magnanimous gesture to further the Hyogo Gujarat Friendship Mission,” added Deevyesh Radia, Vice-President of AMA.
Zen-Kaizen on the AMA Campus showcases several elements of Japanese Art, Culture, Landscape and Architecture unfolding Japan in its Vibrant Colour and Splendor. The Zen Garden has several fascinating traditional Japanese elements, including Red Bridge Guzei, Shoji Interior, Glory of Tori, a 3D art mural, fusion Chabutaro. Named as Smt. Padma Jaykrishna Japanese Zen Garden, it is meant to promote the Kaizen Spirit of ‘Forever in Pursuit for Excellence’ and Japanese Soft Skills & Business Culture’, it has other popular elements like Taki waterfall, Tsukubai basin and Kimono scroll. It has been attractively decorated with a backlit Nihongo painting in the Kaizen Hall which is an exquisite display. There are rare and unique Yokoso Bonsai plantations around the garden.
The occasion was also graced by Hyogo Prefecture Governor Toshizo Ido, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Nitinbhai Patel, and former Ambassador of India to Japan Sujan R Chinoy,
Among other Dignitaries who conveyed their greetings were. the Ambassador of Japan in India, Satoshi Suzuki, Ambassador of India in Japan, Sanjay Kumar Verma and Ashok Kumar Chawla, Advisor (Japan) at the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi .