Shillong(Meghalaya), Nov 25 : The Ambassador of Japan to India, Satoshi Suzuki today inaugurated the Cherry Blossom Festival at Polo grounds , here in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, P. Tynsong, Jowai MLA, W. Shylla, Chief Secretary, Smti R. V. Suchiang, Secretary I&PR, Smti M. War Nongbri, Director Tourism, C. V. D. Diengdoh and East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ms, I. Laloo.
Addressing the inaugural function, Mr. S. Suzuki said that he was impressed by the different façade of the State portrait through the festival and also informed that the cherry blossom or the ‘Sakura’ is the National flower of Japan and it is also a source of inspiration to the people of Japan. Meghalaya has a potential to attract more tourists especially from different parts of the world due to its unique landscape and environment, he said.
Mr. Suzuki also informed that Japan is again starting the TITP (Technical Intern Training Program) to facilitate international workers to work for up to 5 years in Japan and learn Japanese way of working. He further informed that India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on a basic partnership framework for operation of the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system under which the Japanese government accepts foreign nationals who have a certain level of expertise and skill.
It may be mentioned that the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) is a new status of residence created by Japan in 2019 under which skilled Indian nationals can obtain jobs and stay in Japan. The MoC covers 14 categories of specified skills under which skilled workers from India would be eligible for employment in Japan.
Deputy CM P. Tynsong in his brief address said that the festival is a run-up to the state’s 50th Statehood celebrations and specially dedicated to the people of the State and he also informed that there will be many more events to mark the Statehood celebration.
Tynsong said that festivals promote peace and harmony and bring in the feeling of oneness among the residents of the State. He also said that the festival is meant for the youth and he hoped that in the future, the festival will attract more tourists from other parts of the country and the world.
During the programme, the website and merchandise for the Meghalaya Golden Jubilee celebration was also officially released.
