by Cl Alfred Menezes for BIS Mumbai

On 19 January 2025, 30 youth of Shelter Don Bosco attended an Indo-Japanese exhibition held in the south lounge of the World Trade Centre, Mumbai. It was organized by the Indo-Japanese Association of Mumbai and was held over 2 days on the 18 and 19 of January. The program included an opening ceremony by the Japanese Consul General Mr. Yagi Koji and a variety of Japanese cultural performances. 

The youth were warmly welcomed by the President of the Indo-Japanese Association, Mr. Mehool Bhuva who had extended the invitation to Shelter. They were then taken on a guided tour of the exhibition in which each stall was shown and explained to the youth. There were a variety of interesting stalls such as Japanese foods, Japanese stationery, paintings from Japan, different Japanese cities, Manga, origami, Bonsai trees and Ikebana or Japanese flower arrangement. Deepak D, a shelter youth shared his experience, “I was excited to get an experience to visit this Indo-Japanese exhibition because I learnt a lot from it like how to make origami and take care of bonsai trees.”

Besides the many stalls, there were also presentations going on simultaneously. The Shelter youth were present for four of these presentations and took active part in them. The origami presentation was particularly enjoyable as each participant was given origami paper and taught how to make three origami figures with them. There was also a presentation on Japanese flower arrangement and Sumi E painting. The final musical performance by Ms. Hiroko Sarah and Mr. Ibex was an energetic fusion of Japanese and Indian music with powerful performances by both artists. Ms. Hiroko also performed a Japanese classical dance as well as the Indian classical dance Kathak.

Vishal T, a youth residing in Shelter Don Bosco was enamored by the experience. “I am an artist myself and the Japanese art inspired me to be more creative in my paintings.”, he said after looking at the extensive display of art and culture. It was an inspiring and educative experience for all the youth who attended from Shelter Don Bosco. They look forward to many such events and experiences.