Japanese, Indian youths to travel 900 km together from Delhi to Varanasi for 9 days to “Hack the Innovative Future”
Aged between 18 and 25, anyone from India and Japan can apply online at https://www.hif.asia/ by July 17, and the entire trip is free-of-cost.
NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented event of affairs in September, a group of Japanese and Indian youths from diverse backgrounds will together embark on a 900-km long journey for nine days from New Delhi to India’s spiritual capital Varanasi, and will closely interact with each other during this ideathon to understand each other’s culture and generate innovative ideas.
Aged between 18 and 25, these next-gen leaders would participate in the “Hack the Innovative Future” being organised on September 16-24 by the Steering Committee of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations” chaired by the Ambassador of Japan, the Japan Embassy in New Delhi to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-India Diplomatic relations.
Anyone from India and Japan can apply online at https://www.hif.asia/ by July 17, and the entire trip is free-of-cost.
This event, which is an ideathon with a 900km trip from New Delhi to Varanasi – also known as the city of temples with over 3000 years of history, aims to bring together the young people of India and Japan. This trip would meander through Agra where youths would visit World Heritage site Taj Mahal, followed by Lucknow and Allahabad before reaching Varanasi.
Besides experiencing, traditional city with a mix of religions in Lucknow, these youths from Japan and India would also experience organic farms and rural life in Allahabad. In Varanasi, the event will have an experiential programme and later the ideathon at Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Center (VCC).
According to KAWAZU Kunihiko, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in India, one of the major highlights of the Joint statement from the India-Japan Summit held in March was the importance of “People-to-People Exchange” on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan this year.
“I believe amalgamating different perceptions of the same experience provides an opportunity to explore possibilities of a promising future together. I believe this event is conducive in providing a platform for the youth of our two countries, and I am sure it will be a huge success,” he said in a statement.
The event “Hack the Innovative Future” is likely to be an enriching experience for the participants, helping them to understand different views and imbibe different values, thus helping them to learn to work together towards finding solutions.
The Steering Committee of 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-India Diplomatic Relations” chaired by the Ambassador of Japan, consists of the Embassy of Japan, Japan Association Delhi, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII), Japan Foundation New Delhi, JETRO New Delhi Office, JICA India Office and JNTO Delhi Office, and give a lot of wonderful and memorable opportunities in 2022.
Yoji Taguchi, Chairman and Managing Director, Mitsubishi Corporation India Pvt. Ltd., and Chairman of the event, said, “India-Japan relations in 2040 relies on you! We hope that this experience will be an opportunity for young people from Japan and India to sympathize with each other, deepen friendships, and open up the future of both countries. What will resonate the most with you? What idea will be created? Are you as excited as we are?”
Susumu Wakamori, Chairman & Managing Director, Marubeni India Private Limited, and Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India, said in his statement, “True international exchange is nurtured through standing in each other’s land, breathing the same air, conversing with each other, and experiencing each other’s daily life.In order to further develop the Japan-India relationship, which celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, it is essential not only to accumulate years of experience, but also to achieve “true mutual understanding” without UNCONSCIOUS BIAS. “Seeing is believing”, experience “Today’s India” with your five senses, and discuss the ideal future of Japan and India with your new friends you meet there.”
The Steering Committee has also decided the theme of the year 2022 as “Building a future for our Centenary,” hoping that the dreams and hopes of both Japanese and Indian friends across generations shall continue to develop together towards the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India and beyond.
Manabu Yamazaki, President＆ CEO, Canon India Pvt. Ltd., and Chairman, Japan Association Delhi, said on his statement, “For all of us involved in the event, this will be an experience of a lifetime! With your open heart, we shall naturally engage each other as human beings beyond nationalities. I am confident that your active participation and passion will turn this precious occasion into a monumental chapter in the history of two nations. Let us nurture a sense of bonding through challenges during the journey! And let us experience the joy of building our future in our hands!”
Kenji Sugino, Secretary General, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII), said in his statement, “I first visited Varanasi when I was a college student like you. “What does it mean for a person to live?” “I want to experience a world I don’t know.” “I want to get a chance to change my future.” With these thoughts in my mind, I performed ablution in the holy Ganges River. I still remember the moment like yesterday.”
“What impressed me the most in India was how local people were positive and optimistic although their living condition was harsh and rough. I was fascinated by them and I decided I will work in India in the future. Thirty-five years after my first visit to India, I am still spending years pursuing various ascetic life training in India. Thirty-five years after my first visit to India, I am still in the middle of the journey, seeking answers to the questions that I had when I was your age. It can sometimes be challenging but is definitely making my life fruitful. We are looking forward to seeing you,” he added.
Naho Shigeta, CEO, Infobridge India, and Producer, said in his statement, “World is changing drastically. As a hypothesis, many people think Japan and India can be mutual complement supplement each other. Japanese mindset (such as Perfection) and Indian mindset (ex. Jugaad) are completely different, but both of us have similarity as well. I hope that interacting with the same generation with different values, and experiencing diverse societies will be a good opportunity to think about your career and contribution to create the future.”
