Indo-Japanese relations veteran Rahul Sharma passes away at 63

NEW DELHI: Rahul Sharma, an Indo-Japanese affairs veteran and former Chairman of Japan-India Business Promotion Council, ASSOCHAM passed away on Sunday morning. He was 63.

He took his last breath at 4.30 am, said the family members. He survived by his wife Aarti, and daughters Palak and Alisha.

The mortal remains of Mr. Sharma were assigned to the fire at Lodhi Crematorium in New Delhi on Sunday where the last rites were performed in the presence of the family members, relatives, friends, and others from the Indo-Japanese corporate world.

Social media went abuzz with scores of condolence messages after the news of the sudden demise of Mr. Sharma spread like a wildfire.

According to the family members, Rahul Sharma had been ailing for quite some time but was recovering fast.

“At about 2.00 am on Sunday, he complained of the problem in breathing, and he was rushed to the hospital but could not survive, and passed away at 4.30 am,” said daughter Alisha Sharma.

With over 40 years of experience in working with the Japanese community and corporate world in a variety of industries, Mr. Sharma was instrumental in bringing state-of-the-art technologies and investment from Japan to India.

Mr. Sharma was the Founding President of the Indo Nippon Golf Cup (INGC) established with the support of the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII) with the launch of the Japan desk in the PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in the year 2006.

It was Mr. Sharma who only set up the Japan Desk at PHDCCI to promote bilateral trade between India and Japan and bring Japanese companies, technology, and investment into India.

Kenji Sugino, Secretary-General, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII), and a close friend of Mr. Sharma, said in his condolence message, “I don’t know anyone who has contributed more to the active interaction and economy between India and Japan than what he did. I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart. I met him in 2013 at the India-Japan Friendship Golf Competition he hosted in Ahmedabad. It was a very hot day over 50 degrees Celsius, but it is no exaggeration to say that owning to him, many Japanese companies, including Suzuki, have entered Gujarat.”

“I can’t forget his lovable character and whenever he asked me a favor, I couldn’t refuse. Most recently, he was enthusiastic about attracting Japanese companies to North Eastern Province. With his will, I promise to work to further deepen the bond between North Eastern Province, India, and Japan. I pray for his soul. Rest in peace,” Mr. Sugino added.

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Rahul Sharma was also the former Member: Technical Advisory Committee Ministry of new & Renewable Energy, and Founder & Former Chairman: Cool the Earth – Initiative which was formed to promote State-of-the-Art technologies from Japan to India by Indigenization.

He was also the Founder Member of the International Foundation For Aviation & Aerospace Development -India (IFFAAD).

In his condolence message, Tomio Isogai, Freelance Advisor in Indo-Japanese relations, and former Managing director of SHARP India said, “A deep shock struck me this morning to know about his sudden demise of Mr. Rahul Sharma. A dedicated and graceful person with dignity he has contributed a lot to the Indo-Japanese relations and the developments for a long time, but not expected to retire that soon at all. May his soul rest in eternal peace and be with us all the time!  Om Shanti.”

Prakash Yadav, Founder & Director, AJU Group of Japanese Hotels said, “With heartfelt sympathy on the passing away of Mr. Rahul Sharma. You were always there for me and supported me as a younger brother throughout my journey. May the love, prayers, and support of your family and friends bring you comfort during this most difficult time.”

J C Pegu, (IRS Retired 1984 batch), a close friend of Rahul Sharma said that the demise of Mr. Sharma was a very shocking and personal loss not only to the aggrieved family but also to the Japanese community and corporate world for which he did so much on the Indo-Japanese relations front.

While acknowledging the immense contribution of Mr. Sharma to the Japanese community in India, Hidehito Jay ARAKI, Managing Director, Casa Blanka Consulting Pvt Ltd, a noted Japanese consulting firm, and ACN Editorial Advisory Board member, said, “You have so much for our community.”

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