Two Chennai-based institutions engaged in fostering deeper bilateral ties with Japan were on Thursday awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister's commendations for fiscal 2010-11.
The Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IJCCI) and the ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI, Tamil Nadu Centre in Chennai were presented the commendations by Kazuo Minagawa, Consul-General of Japan in Chennai.
Mr. Minagawa said they had been chosen for the honour in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and India over the years.
The Foreign Minister's commendations are awarded to individuals and groups for notable achievements and acknowledge their contributions to the fostering of friendly relations between Japan and other countries. They are also aimed at promoting the appreciation and support of the Japanese public for these efforts, Mr. Minagawa said. This year, the commendations from Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada were awarded to 58 individuals and 39 groups from Japan and other countries.
In his acceptance speech, N. Krishnaswami, IJCCI president, said the Chamber had partially achieved its goal of being a catalyst from bringing the two countries closer. None other than Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had acknowledged the IJCCI's contributions for putting Tamil Nadu on the industrial map of Japan. It has also initiated steps towards formulating an economic and strategic partnership in the emerging global order, Mr. Krishnaswami said. In fact, the chamber has set up a special strategy cell of all economic organisations in Chennai with a view to catalyse bilateral economic activities.
M.R. Ranganathan, chairman, ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI said the city branch of the international alumni association which had presence in 42 countries has been engaged in various programmes to introduce Japan and its culture to the residents here. It has also been contributing to deepening mutual understanding through grass-root level people-to-people exchanges, he said.
