The Sakura Science Program（SSP）and Me

I had the chance to participate in the Science Sakura Program organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), which was a truly unique experience and a turning point in my life. I was fortunate enough to be selected to go to Japan, and I was really looking forward to this respected program.

Those days were full of learning and fun, and I’m grateful for the friends I made in Japan who are still in touch with me. We gained a lot from the professors and the technology we saw. One important thing I learned is that Japan is working on all fields at once, making it interdisciplinary. This approach is key to new innovations, as it involves connecting different fields and disciplines to create something truly unique.

The Sakura Science Club (SSC), an alumni association of SSP, has truly blessed me with a wonderful family, filled with special souls who possess incredible talents, skills, and knowledge, as well as cherished memories.

After being selected for this program, I started exploring research. Here are some of the activities I pursued after learning about the technology and getting inspired by this program.

I created a project in the field of Generative AI, combining different domains such as Natural Language Processing and Generative AI. This project was recognized by my organisation, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and the Ministry of Education and it was showcased to the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji. He was thoroughly impressed by the project.
https://x.com/imdigitalashish/status/1751980870913888348?s=20

We also discussed upon Sakura Science Club as I had brought my SSP Certificate with me. I also had the privilege of sharing the stage and hosting the program with him and I'm grateful for every moment of it.
https://x.com/imdigitalashish/status/1619228779662159872?s=20

In addition, I was invited to the Developer Festival, Microsoft Events, Intel, and IIIT Delhi (FOSS Conference) to talk about STEM and how we can innovate, research, and implement to create a change.
https://twitter.com/imdigitalashish/status/1746572551927795790
https://sessionize.com/imdigitalashish

I’ve also participated in more than 10 hackathons and won a national medal in the field of Web Technologies.
https://x.com/imdigitalashish/status/1674074724295401476?s=20
https://twitter.com/imdigitalashish/status/1494336217919680513

I’ll always remember what Prof. Hiroshi Kitagawa of Kyoto University told us in Japan, “Science is not about memorising things, it’s an art of trying different things out and understanding to create amazing things.”

Thank you.

Ashish Kumar Verma (Proud SSC Alumnus)
https://ashishverse.vercel.app