New Delhi: With dreams of innovation and cultural discovery, 34 Indian students from government schools across the nation were launched on a transformative journey to Japan under the Sakura Science Programme, flagged off in a spirited ceremony at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in New Delhi.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, led the send-off, joined by Prof. Prakash Chandra Agrawal, Joint Director of NCERT, and Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary of the Department. The students—13 boys and 21 girls from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Odisha, Puducherry, West Bengal, and NCERT’s Demonstration Multipurpose Schools in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Mysore—will explore Japan’s scientific marvels and cultural treasures from August 17 to 23, 2025.
The Japan Science and Technology Agency’s (JST) Sakura Science Programme, formally the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, has been a beacon of global learning since 2014, with India joining in 2016. To date, 639 Indian students and 93 supervisors have ventured to Japan, including a recent group in June 2025. This year’s cohort, alongside peers from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia, will dive into Japan’s world-leading science and technology while soaking in its vibrant traditions, from cherry blossoms to tea ceremonies. The program embodies the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of holistic, experiential learning, encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary connections through real-world exposure to a nation renowned for its innovation.
Sanjay Kumar’s address at the ceremony was a clarion call to the students, whom he dubbed India’s young ambassadors. “This is a golden opportunity to immerse yourselves in Japan’s advanced systems—a blessing,” he declared, urging them to absorb the nation’s legendary punctuality, famously summed up as “time and tide wait for none.” He pointed to Japan’s economic resilience and cultural pride as models for India, encouraging students to greet with “Namaste,” a gesture elevated globally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to share India’s heritage. “Japan’s history, their economic growth, even their tea culture—these are lessons for us,” Kumar said, emphasising the need to emulate Japan’s environmental stewardship and clean surroundings.
The students, accompanied by three supervisors, are poised to engage with Japan’s cutting-edge laboratories and cultural landmarks, forging friendships and ideas that could shape India’s future. Kumar urged them to observe keenly, learn deeply, and adopt practices that fuel innovation. “You are not just students; you are ambassadors of India’s aspirations,” he said, highlighting the program’s role in strengthening India-Japan ties. As these young minds prepare to witness Japan’s technological prowess and cultural depth, their journey promises to spark inspiration, bridging two nations through shared knowledge and mutual respect.
– global bihari bureau
