SAKURA SCIENCE University Program
Closing Ceremony
In the afternoon of Friday, September 29, an closing ceremony was held for 49 undergraduate and graduate students selected from leading universities in India (Anna University, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and the University of Delhi). The ceremony took place at the JST Tokyo Headquarters B1F Conference Room.
The closing ceremony was also attended by eight presidents and vice presidents of Indian Universities, and H.E. Mr. Sibi George, the Ambassador of India to Japan.
In his congratulatory address, Ambassador Sibi George touched upon the importance of the "India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership", as well as emphasizing his hope that this program will continue so it can facilitate agreements between universities in India and Japan, and further increase the number of international students traveling between the two countries.
An undergraduate student from Anna University and a graduate student from IIT Bombay also gave speeches as representatives of the participants.
■ Student from Anna University
"The sakura science program just makes me wanna say ‘Subarashii’. Japan has amazed us with its technology, it's passion towards research, it's discipline, cleanliness, rich culture and a wide variety of opportunities. I'm sure every one of us here is truly considering japan as one of their future destination for studies or for work. The views we'll be taking back home about Japan are all positive and inspire more people to visit Japan and experience what we had."
■ Graduate student from IIT Bombay
"Our visit to Keio University revealed that it is not just a prestigious private institution; it is a recognized brand in Japan. We could feel the vibrant atmosphere of the Mita and Yagami campuses. The program afforded us the privilege of exploring renowned institutions like the University of Tokyo and NIMS. One striking feature was their world class laboratories, all generously funded. For instance, NIMS boasts an impressive 25 TEMS instrument s for just 1500 people!"
To date, the SAKURA SCIENCE Exchange Program has invited around 3000 excellent high school students, university students, and young researchers from India. We have high hopes that this special invitation program for undergraduate and graduate students will encourage further brain cycle between Japan and India.
* H.E. Mr. Sibi George, the Ambassador of India to Japan, and the eight Indian university leaders and vice leaders also attended the "2nd JST India–Japan University Forum" held by the heads of top universities in Japan and India, which took place in Kyoto on the following day, Saturday September 30.
