Old and New Friendship Flourished during the Fifth ISSCA Event
“Indo-Japan Harmony Across Horizons: Navigating Memories and Bridging Futures”

The February 17 alumni event in India hosted by ISSCA (India Sakura Science Club Alumni Association) and JST concluded marvelously. More than 80 participants, including 59 alumni, honorable guests, invited speakers from Japanese universities, and guests from related organizations, came together in the Regal Hall of Lalit New Delhi. ISSCA coordinators Dr. Pragya Bhatt Gehlot and Ms. Mansi Sharma moderated the event. Representing ISSCA, Ms. Antara Puranik, President of ISSCA, gave the opening greeting and spoke about how SSP motivated her to aim for a career in research.
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Through their speeches and video messages, all honorable guests unanimously touched upon the importance of India-Japan partnership, collaborative efforts to advance STI, and how SSP plays a vital role in motivating youths who will contribute to innovation across borders.

In the Experience Sharing Session from ISSCA members, Mr. Priyam Srivastava, and Ms. Disha Malik─themselves coordinators of ISSCA─narrated how SSP helped them along their academic journey to where they are today. Mr. Rahul Sharma commended JST’s detailed planning to execute this unique exchange program.

Speakers in the Study in Japan Session strongly encouraged participants to seek higher education in Japan. Representatives from Japanese universities─namely the University of Tokyo India Office, represented by Ms. Sakshi Roy and Ritsumeikan India Office, represented by Mr. WAKAYAMA Shuhei─explained about degree programs offered in English in addition to short-term programs.

During the Networking Session moderated by Ms. Nandini Bagga and Ms. Antara Puranik, members came forth and shared their special moments one by one, fondly looking back on their experiences in Japan. Candid laughter broke out from time to time. Members were literally able to “navigate memories.” Participants were also able to “bridge futures” by exchanging new ideas and to seek possibilities for future opportunities.

Ms. Disha Malik closed the event by thanking all guests and members who attended the event. Once again, JST and the secretariat would also like to thank H.E. Mr. NISHIMURA Yasutoshi (Chairman of the Japan-India Parliamentary Friendship League), Mr. ARIYOSHI Takashi (Minister & Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in India), Ms. Archana Sharma Awasthi (Joint Secretary, Department of School Education, Ministry of Education), Ms. Namita Gupta (Adviser/Scientist 'G' and Head，INSPIRE-MANAK Division，Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology), Prof. Ambuj Sagar (Deputy Director, Strategy & Planning and Vipula and Mahesh Chaturvedi Professor of Policy Studies, School of Public Policy, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi), Ms. Sakshi Roy (Assistant Manager, The University of Tokyo India Office), Mr. WAKAYAMA Shuhei (Director of India Office, Ritsumeikan University), and Prof. D. Sakthi Kumar (Chairman of India JSPS Alumni Association (IJAA-Indian JSPS Alumni Association) and Graduate School of Interdisciplinary New Science, Toyo University).