Japanese calendar exhibition held at University of Sindh

Pak-Japan friendship has lasted since 1940s: VC

HYDERABAD: The need for greater cultural engagement between Pakistan and Japan was stressed at a Japanese calendar exhibition and film screening show held at the Institute of Art and Design, University of Sindh (SU).

The event was organised by the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) and Institute of Art and Design in collaboration with the Japanese consulate in Karachi.

SU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat said Japan was an enviable model of modernity, progress and innovation in Asia. He added that Japan had taken new birth in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, whereas Pakistan had emerged on the map of the world in 1947.  "This resemblance of newly-born Pakistan and war-free Japan bound the two together in a camaraderie which continues till today," Prof Burfat claimed.

The SU VC said he was astounded to see Japanese people's passionate love for fauna, flora, scenic beauty and landscapes. He attributed Japan's marvelous success in various fields to its people's unshakable faith in themselves and their invincible spirit to tackle challenges.



Japanese Political and Cultural Consul in Karachi Atsushi Murata said the exhibition and show had been brought to the varsity in order to impart to the faculty and students a cultural feel of Japan. "The exhibition will acquaint the viewing audience with the necessary insights into the cultural fabric of Japan," he said.

The Japanese envoy informed the participants that calendars put on exhibition were being prepared by the Japanese Calendar Association for the last two or three decades and that Japanese embassies and consulates in various parts of the world organised calendar exhibitions as a mark of goodwill and cultural diplomacy.

Murata said that the Japanese consulate in Karachi would soon offer scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. He urged the SU students and teachers to apply for the scholarship in order to be able to study in Japan's higher education institutions.

MAAP Sindh Chapter President and SU Freshwater Biology and Fisheries Department Chairperson Dr Wazir Ali Baloch said the purpose of organising the exhibition was to reveal to the SU audience the poignant Japanese terrains, peaks, architecture, lakes, waterfalls, birds and other shades of its natural beauty.