Pune students get a feel of origami, kimonos

The Pune University Japanese Association (Puja) celebrated Puja Day on the Ranade Institute campus on Saturday. The function was inaugurated by a Japanese teacher, Terada Tomoko.

The students experienced various aspects of Japanese culture through traditional fun-and-learn activities. The teachers taught the students the art of origami, authentic Japanese foods — including sushi and green tea — Japanese games and calligraphy. The students wore kimonos, a traditional garment of Japan.

Anupama Chandrachood, co-ordinator of the Japanese section of the department of foreign languages of the varsity said, “We have Puja day every year, but this is the first time where we are having an interactive workshop and giving our students a virtual experience of Japanese culture. This is actually a value addition for our students.”

Senior teacher Anupam Joshi said that to know the culture of Japan, it is necessary to learn the language. “Education given in other institutes is training oriented, but we educate students through the medium of cultural interaction. Here we have Japanese guests and our students get a chance to communicate with them in Japanese,” said Joshi.

A student, Vrushali Lohokare said, “I had heard about the Japanese food, kimonos, origami and calligraphy, but today I experienced them. It’s amazing.”

Mandar Mulye, also a student, said this was the first time he wore a kimono and found it amazing.