Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday called for stronger youth-to-youth engagement between India and Japan, saying the younger generation would play a key role in shaping the future of bilateral relations.
Addressing a joint delegation from Japan and India in Lucknow, including Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, 13 Japanese high school students and 20 students from schools across the city, the Chief Minister said lasting ties between the two countries should be built through education, cultural exchange and shared experiences.
“Our strongest relationships are built in classrooms, campuses, laboratories, and between young minds. May our children understand each other’s culture, values, and life vision; may they learn together and grow together. Because today’s children will be the most effective ambassadors of the India-Japan partnership tomorrow,” Adityanath said.
Referring to the upcoming 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations, the Chief Minister said the strengths of the two countries could create new opportunities for the world.
“Next year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. You are the future ambassadors to strengthen these ties. Japan is known for its technology, tradition, and commitment. When the strengths of Japan–ikigai, teamwork, mutual respect–come together with India’s young workforce and talent, it will create new global possibilities,” he said.
“Today you are students; tomorrow you will be scientists, artists, sports champions, policy makers, and global leaders,” Adityanath added.
The Chief Minister also linked the India-Japan partnership to India’s traditional philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “the world is one family”, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development.
“‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ is an extension of the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he said.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and spiritual significance, Adityanath spoke about the places visited by the Japanese students during their trip.
“Uttar Pradesh is known as the heartland of India’s spiritual tourism. You are in the Awadh region; Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is nearby. You also visited Agra and saw the Taj Mahal. Next, you will visit Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, and Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. In essence, Uttar Pradesh is a major centre of India’s spirituality,” he said.
The Japanese students expressed optimism about their visit to India and greater opportunities for interaction with their Indian counterparts.
Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki stressed the importance of working together towards a prosperous future and urged students from both countries to embrace teamwork and contribute to strengthening India-Japan relations.
(ANI)
