Raipur, Sep 14: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday welcomed a 17-member student delegation from Japan’s Ehime University at his residence office here, highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of India and Japan alongside expanding scope for bilateral cooperation in education, research, and technology.

The Japanese delegation is visiting Chhattisgarh on a three-day academic tour under the India-Japan Inter Exchange Programme. During the courtesy meeting, discussions focused on historical ties, Buddhist heritage, technological innovation, startups, and youth exchange initiatives.

“The friendship between India and Japan is rooted in our ancient cultural and spiritual traditions. Over time, these ties have expanded to education, science, technology, innovation, and economic cooperation,” Chief Minister Sai said. He added that exchanges among students and young researchers will strengthen bilateral relations in the coming years.

Highlighting the civilisational bond, the Chief Minister pointed to the influence of Buddhist philosophy in Japan. He introduced the visiting delegation to Chhattisgarh’s archaeological and cultural legacy, referencing key historical sites such as Sirpur, Mainpat, and Bhongapal. He described Sirpur, located on the banks of the Mahanadi river, as a prominent centre of ancient civilisation, art, architecture, and Buddhist heritage.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government is actively working to develop Sirpur into a world-class heritage and tourism destination to attract international researchers, students, and tourists.

Recalling his own past visit to Japan, Chief Minister Sai praised the country’s disciplined work culture and technological advancement, noting that Japan’s ability to modernise while preserving its cultural identity remains inspiring. He emphasised that India is similarly transitioning towards a knowledge-based economy by combining traditional values with modern technology.

He expressed confidence that sustained academic exchanges between Ehime University and higher educational institutions in Chhattisgarh would foster joint research, startup initiatives, and technology transfer.

As part of their itinerary, the delegation visited research and incubation centres at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur. The students inspected startup projects and technological innovations, expressing interest in collaborative research and technology transfer.

Sharing their feedback with the Chief Minister, the delegates appreciated the local hospitality and expressed enthusiasm for Indian traditions, including Ganesh Utsav celebrations, cuisine, and local handicrafts. The delegation will also visit Sirpur to study its ancient Buddhist architecture firsthand.

Senior officials present on the occasion included Chief Minister’s Secretary P Dayanand, NIT Raipur professors Dilip Singh Sisodia and Dr Sameer Bajpai, IIT Hyderabad Professor CK Mohan, Industry Department Additional Director Sanjay Gajghate, Deputy Director Amay Tripathi, and CHiPS Joint CEO Anupam Ashish Toppo.