Bridging Cultures: Japan Comes Alive at RRU Gandhinagar
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SYNOPSIS OF THE ARTICLE
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, hosted a two-day Japanese Caravan on ‘India–Japan Cultural Diplomacy.’
The event was organized by the School of International Cooperation, Security and Strategic Languages (SICSSL) at RRU.
The event was held in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, New Delhi.
A delegation from the Japan Foundation participated, including Director General Mr. Koji Sato and language experts Ms. Kyoko, Ms. Kanako, Ms. Ishmeet Kaur, and Ms. Meeli.
The program included Japanese language sessions, traditional calligraphy, Yukata trials, origami, and cultural games.
It aimed to immerse students and faculty in Japanese culture and promote people-to-people connections.
Prof.. (Dr.) Kalpesh Wandra (Pro-Vice Chancellor, RRU) described the event as a cultural celebration fostering future collaboration.
Dr. Aparna Varma (Director, SICSSL) emphasized the deep-rooted historical, spiritual, and cultural ties between India and Japan.
The event reflected RRU’s commitment to global engagement and cultural diplomacy.
The vibrant campus of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, recently turned into a beautiful celebration of Indo-Japanese friendship with a two-day event titled the Japanese Caravan on ‘India–Japan Cultural Diplomacy.’ The event, filled with cultural energy, language sessions, and artistic expressions, was held by the School of International Cooperation, Security and Strategic Languages (SICSSL) in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, New Delhi.
This special cultural exchange brought together students, faculty members, and representatives from Japan to share and learn more about each other’s traditions. The caravan wasn’t just a formal meet—it was a heartfelt journey that highlighted the warmth and mutual respect that exists between India and Japan.
A distinguished team from the Japan Foundation graced the event. The delegation was led by Mr. Koji Sato, Director General of the Foundation. He was joined by Japanese language coordinators — Ms. Kyoko, Ms. Kanako, Ms. Ishmeet Kaur, and Ms. Meeli. They brought with them a treasure trove of knowledge, offering students a chance to not only learn the Japanese language but also dive deep into its beautiful culture.
The two days were filled with interactive and fun experiences. Students participated in:
Japanese Language Sessions – helping them speak basic Japanese and understand its tone and structure.
Calligraphy Workshops – where they tried their hands at traditional Japanese writing.
Yukata Trials – allowing participants to dress in traditional Japanese summer robes.
Origami Demonstrations – learning how to fold paper into creative shapes, an iconic Japanese art.
Cultural Games – designed to engage and entertain, while also teaching deeper cultural insights.
The event turned into an immersive experience where students were not just observers but active participants in understanding Japan.
Speaking about the importance of this initiative, Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh Wandra, Pro-Vice Chancellor of RRU, said, “The Japan Caravan is more than just an academic exercise. It’s a cultural celebration. These workshops and exhibitions help us understand Japan beyond books and screens.”
Dr. Aparna Varma, Director of SICSSL, emphasized the historical connection between the two nations. “India and Japan share a bond that goes back centuries—starting from the arrival of Buddhism to today’s growing collaboration in education and innovation,” she shared. According to her, events like these bring people closer and help build long-term cultural diplomacy.
India and Japan have always enjoyed a strong partnership, not just in strategic and economic fields, but also in art, culture, and education. The Japanese Caravan celebrated that deep bond. The presence of Japanese experts and their warm engagement with students showed that diplomacy is not limited to boardrooms—it happens in classrooms, too.
Students who attended the event described it as eye-opening. “It felt like we travelled to Japan without leaving our campus!” said one enthusiastic participant. Many said they were inspired to learn the Japanese language more seriously or even visit Japan someday.
This event reflected Rashtriya Raksha University’s mission of creating global citizens who appreciate and understand different cultures. With more such initiatives, the university aims to build strong international ties, not just through political or economic channels but through the heart, culture, people, and stories.
As the two-day event ended, smiles, laughter, and new friendships echoed across the campus. The Japanese Caravan may have packed up, but the memories and the cultural understanding it sparked will remain in the hearts of the students for years to come.
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