It is my great honour to be here as a Council General of Japan in Mumbai and on behalf of the Government of Japan. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr Devendra Fadnavis for receiving this wonderful honorary degree. I think that you don’t understand how important, how significant this degree is being given from Koyasan University to somebody in India. Because for the first time in 120 years is great enough but, Koyasan University’s history dates back to 1200 years. 1200 long years. As a modern education system, Koyasan University was established 120 years ago but, its inception as an educational system started in 9 th century. So, Koyasan University is one of the most prestigious Universities, in the educational system in Japan. And during not just 120 years but 1200 years, this is the first Honorary Doctorate Degree given from the university to this wonderful gentleman in India. So, Please understand that Koyasan University is something special.
Koyasan University may not be known to Indian people but, in Japan, as the first phase of Buddhism, it is very important. Koo Kai established this university in the 9th century and Koo Kai is like Adishankara in India. Adi Shankaracharya promoted Hinduism to a higher plinth from the original vision like Koo Kai. Koo Kai also increased Buddhism from India to Japan in mid mid-fifth or the sixth century. Koo Kai elevated Buddhism into an International Religion. And then Koyasan was the center. That’s why the Japanese people consider Koyasan University important. So, I am saying this is a special event for Japanese and Indian nationals, all of you. When I heard that Koyasan University is giving an Honorary degree for the first time in its history, I was surprised that the University is giving a degree. But, then I heard that it is going to be given to no other than Mr Fadnavis, then I understood. He went to Japan this year as the Official Guest of the Government and immediately presented his vision. He met many dignitaries in Japan and particularly he conducted many business meetings. He met many business leaders. Then everybody realised that Maharashtra is the best place for investment from Japan to India. Based on his activities now Japanese companies consider, many Japanese Companies consider Maharashtra as the best investment place in India. Thanks to his achievement. So… He is an excellent leader. He is an excellent leader from Maharashtra for business. Not only as a business leader and a State politician but, he is a wonderful human being. During the process of organizing his visit to Japan, I had many occasions to see him and to discuss about his vision. And then I was so impressed by his human quality. He is a wonderful human being and that is why you know this doctorate from Koyasan University is not for scientific achievements but is given only for grand for Humanity. So Koayasan University recognized him as a distinguished human being in India restoring peace and prosperity in India, particularly in Maharashtra. For that once again on behalf of the Government of Japan and as a person I must extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Fadnavis. Thank you very much.
(Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Devendra Fadnavis was recently conferred an Honourary Doctorate Degree by the Koyasan University of Japan. Japanese Consul-General Dr Fukahori San himself explains why Shri. Devendra Fadnavis was chosen for this significant honour)