17-member student delegation from Japan’s Ehime University holds courtesy meeting with Chief Minister
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 14, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday warmly welcomed a 17-member student delegation from Japan’s Ehime University at his residence office in Raipur, highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of India and Japan and the scope for greater cooperation in education, research and technology.
The students are visiting Chhattisgarh on a three-day academic tour under the India-Japan Inter Exchange Programme. During their meeting with the Chief Minister, discussions covered the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, Buddhist heritage, education, research, technological innovation, startups and growing exchanges between their youth.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Minister said the friendship between India and Japan is rooted in the countries’ ancient cultural and spiritual traditions. Over time, he said, these ties have expanded to education, science, technology, innovation and economic cooperation. He said India and Japan are playing an important role in global development through a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The two countries share a strong foundation of mutual trust and respect. Exchanges among students and young people would help strengthen the relationship between the two countries in the years ahead.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the influence of Buddhist philosophy in Japan and its role in connecting the two countries through a shared spiritual heritage. He said India is the land of Lord Buddha, whose message of peace, compassion, friendship and human welfare has influenced many countries around the world. He added that Buddhist philosophy has also left a deep imprint on Japanese culture, and this shared spiritual heritage connects India and Japan through a distinctive cultural bond.
He introduced the students to Chhattisgarh’s archaeological and cultural legacy, referring to important sites such as Sirpur, Mainpat and Bhongapal. He described Sirpur, located on the banks of the Mahanadi, as an important centre of the state’s ancient civilisation, art, architecture and Buddhist heritage.
The Chief Minister said the state government is working to give Chhattisgarh’s historical, archaeological and cultural heritage greater recognition in India and abroad. Efforts are also under way to develop Sirpur as a world-class heritage and tourism destination. He said the state hopes to attract students, researchers and tourists from different countries and encourage lasting exchanges of knowledge and culture.
*Chief Minister shares experiences of Japan visit
Shri Sai shared his experiences of visiting Japan with the students and spoke about the country’s disciplined work culture, technological progress and respect for its traditions. He said Japan’s ability to advance in modern science and technology while preserving its cultural identity is inspiring.
The Chief Minister said India, too, is moving towards a knowledge-based economy by combining its ancient civilisation and cultural values with modern technology and innovation. He said the growing interaction between the youth of India and Japan was extremely important for the future relationship between the two countries.
He expressed hope that exchanges between students of Ehime University and those of higher educational and technical institutions in Chhattisgarh would create opportunities for joint research, technological cooperation, startups and innovation. Such programmes, he said, help build friendship and mutual understanding among the youth of the two countries.
*Japanese students impressed by NIT Raipur startups and technological innovations
During their stay in Chhattisgarh, the delegation visited research and incubation centres at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur. The students learned about startup activities, research projects and emerging technologies being developed at the institute. They showed keen interest in startups working on practical, technology-based solutions to everyday problems. The delegation appreciated these innovations and expressed interest in possible cooperation in technology transfer, research and innovation.
The students also shared their experiences of their visit with the Chief Minister. They said the warmth of the people of Chhattisgarh and the state’s culture and traditions have made a strong impression on them. They praised Indian food and spoke about learning about the traditions and cultural significance of Ganesh Utsav. Some of the students also mentioned having mehendi applied and shopping for Indian clothes.
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh is known for its simplicity, warmth and tradition of hospitality. He encouraged the students to carry pleasant memories of Chhattisgarh with them and visit the state again.
The delegation’s itinerary includes a visit to Sirpur, where the students will learn about Chhattisgarh’s ancient Buddhist heritage, architecture, art and cultural history. The visit is part of the academic and cultural activities planned under the India-Japan exchange programme.
Chief Minister’s Secretary Shri P. Dayanand, NIT Raipur professors Shri Dilip Singh Sisodia and Dr Sameer Bajpai, IIT Hyderabad Professor Shri C.K. Mohan, Industry Department Additional Director Shri Sanjay Gajghate, Deputy Director Shri Amay Tripathi, and CHiPS Joint CEO Shri Anupam Ashish Toppo, along with other senior officials, were present on the occasion.
