Delivered invited Seminar at Toho University, Tokyo, Japan

I am happy to share that I delivered a Seminar on Wed., January 30 in the afternoon at the Faculty of Science, Toho University, Tsudanuma Campus, Tokyo. Prof. Masahi Takahashi, Dean,  Faculty of Science welcomed and Prof Mikio Nakamura, Emeritus Professor introduced to the audience. The topic of my announced Seminar was "Optimism from Nuclear Radiation and Concerns of Safety Issues" It was interesting to find that faculties, researchers, students were keenly interested on various aspects of ionizing radiation effects on health and environment. I was quite excited to deliver this Seminar and many issues related to effects on people  of Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011 were raised and discussed. It was an interesting academic visit and many useful discussions on topics of higher education in science and problems of attracting talented students in science career were held with professors and faculties of the Department after the Seminar. 

Reception at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

A function to welcome researchers from overseas was held on 18^th January 2013 at 7.00 PM at Kuramae Hall of Tokyo Institute of Technology at the invitation of President of University, Prof Yashinao Mishima. Prof Mishima gave an overview of historical account of the Institute ( founded in 1881) and stated that in QS World University ranking for 2012/2013  TIT was ranked 65^th overall and 4^th in Japan. In the area of Science and Technology the University was ranked 2^nd in Japan. He pointed out that Employability Survey conducted in 2012 and published in New York Times , TIT earned 1^st position. Out of more than 11000 graduate and post graduate students, more than 1200 students and researchers were from abroad. He exhorted academic and research colleagues to contribute significantly to enhance University rating. Executive Vice President, Prof Toshio Maruyama gave an account of undergraduate, post graduate and various Integrated Institutes and other Education and Research Centers at  Ookayama, Suzukakedai and Tamachi  Campuses. Prof Mitsuo Sakine,  Dean, Graduate School of Biosciences and Biotechnology offered many suggestions to researchers to visit tourist spots in and around Tokyo and learn about Japanese culture. It was a great evening to mix and talk to Professors and Executive Officers at the dinner time which was indeed grand. Foreign guests were especially heartily welcomed and entertained by Executive Officers of the Institute. I enjoyed fully the flavor of Japanese hospitalities and interacted with the Guest Researchers of various Faculties from different countries of the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming-Of-Age-Day in Japan

Coming -of–Age-Day in Japan

Monday, January 14, 2013

 

Today, on 14^th January, is the Holiday in Japan for the Coming of Age Day called in Japanese -Seijin No Hi which is celebrated on second Monday of the Year. The day is celebrated to welcome and encourage Young people who have or will attain the age 20 whose 20th birthday falls between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year.The celebration reflects both the expanded rights and increased responsibilities. Eligible youths are invited by local municipal and prefectural offices in a function which is addressed by an invited distinguished Guest from Government or Academic organization. Attendees also receive some gift from the organizers. Youths participate in the celebration called Seijin-shiki dressed  in traditional dresses; boys generally in suit and girls in special kimono. Speakers generally remind young people of their responsibilities as adult and urge them to grow into a responsible citizen.

It may be recalled that the holiday was first established in 1948 and was held every year on January 15 until 1999 when in recognition of happy Monday it is celebrated on second Monday of the year. The new thrust of Coming- of- Age- Day celebration was started after World War II to boost the morale of depressed, disappointed and frustrated youths returning from military duties. In Japan , celebration of adulthood was celebrated in many ways( without age fixation) such as ability to recitation of Buddha sutra or able to lift certain measures of weight etc. The festivity of Seijin-shiki is worth witnessing which, indeed, is full of thrill and excitements. Adults generally take part in parties organized after the official celebrations. They are now legally allowed to drink in parties.  It is interesting to note that in Japan , girls are allowed to marry at age 16 and boys at age 18. But,  decision of marriages at these ages require approval from parents. However, after achieving adulthood, they are free to take decision of their marriage. Also, young people after age 20 are eligible to vote in political elections.

 In present day society of Japan, kids have graduation ceremonies for primary school (shougakkou), junior high school (chuugakkou) and high school (koukou).

 

Japanese girls dressed in Kimonos and Boys in suits on Coming of Age day celebration.

Visit to Rajamangala University of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand

I visited Rajamangala University of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand during 15th International Conference of  International Academy of Physical Sciences, CONIAPS XV, during Dec. 9-13, 2012. It was exciting to visit Rose Garden and Museum along with the delegates of the Conference and some host University Faculty Members. It was indeed a  memorable experience.

Visit to Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan

December 31, 2012

 

I wish to greet you wishing happy, healthy and peaceful New year 2013.

Many of you have sent greetings for the New Year and I feel thankful to you for remembering me. I deeply reciprocate my good wshes to you. Let us stay good friends forever.

I am glad to share that I have arrived at Tokyo, Japan  today morning to honor the invitation as Visiting Professor from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan. Let me wish and hope that this visit enriches academic and scientific pursuits and it opens new avenues of  collaborations and exchange of professionals in future between TIT and NGBU. I will put my best efforts to strengthen our professional ties together with enhancement of Indo-Japan friendship and deeper understanding of our cultures.