Japan Honors MoHUA for Rudraksh Project in Varanasi

Rudraksh stands as a symbol of India-Japan friendship and cultural cooperation. Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Japan honored Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with a Certificate of Appreciation for the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Varanasi. Backed by Japanese technology and JICA support.

Jun Tsumori, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in India presented Certificate of Appreciation to Kuldip Narayan, on behalf of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

New Delhi. April 4, 2025

Jun Tsumori, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in India, formally presented a prestigious Certificate of Appreciation to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), recognizing its outstanding efforts in promoting Quality Infrastructure. The certificate was graciously received by Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary (IC), on behalf of MoHUA, at his office.

This honor was conferred by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan, in recognition of the successful execution of the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Center in Varanasi. The project was lauded for its exemplary adoption of Japanese technology and infrastructure standards, serving as a shining example of Indo-Japanese collaboration in sustainable urban development.

Japanese companies joined the meeting, explaining their role and responsibility for the construction project of Rudraksh and exchanged their views and opinions on their quality control and new technologies applied in the project.

The Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre (VCC) was conceptualized by the Government of India in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a core base for cultural and artistic activities and the promotion of people-to-people exchange. Japan has supported the project through its Grant Aid through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a "symbol of friendship between Japan and India". PM Modi has named the VCC "Rudraksh" as he wishes to make it a symbol of wisdom.

The opening ceremony Rudraksh in July 2021 was attended by PM Modi, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of UP, and other dignitaries from India, and Amb SUZUKI Satoshi, Chief Representative of JICA India and other officials from Japan. PM SUGA, delivered his congratulatory message through video.

At the ceremony, PM Modi said, "The friendship between Japan and India is one of the most trusted one in the world, both strategically and economically, and Japan has always been the most reliable partner in India's development. The Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre, named "Rudraksh", will be the biggest source of power for new India. With Rudraksh, Varanasi will become the centre of art, culture and business promotion. Rudraksh is now new development hub of Varanasi. I would like to thank the Japanese people and the Japanese government for their efforts in building this Rudraksh."

PM Suga mentioned in his video message, "I am very pleased to see that the (Varanasi) International Cooperation and Convention Center was built as a symbol of friendship between Japan and India." "I hope that this center will be used as a stage to showcase close Japan-India cooperation through hosting international conferences and cultural and art events, and become a new symbol of friendship between Japan and India". Prime Minister Suga also said, "Japan and India make utmost efforts to further develop our bilateral ties under the "Special Strategic and Global Partnership," through cooperation in such areas as green society, digital, cyber, healthcare and enhancing connectivity"

It is hoped Rudraksh will serve as a base for promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges between India and the rest of world and further develop India through the tourism sector.

The Embassy of Japan in India is committed to keep its development cooperation with India to expand the relationship between Japan and India.