A   Workshop   on   Ikebana   ( 2005 )

JAAI, in association with JICA India Office, organised a one day Ikebana Workshop on November 27, 2005 at WWF-India, Godrej Auditorium, Lodi Estate, New Delhi.

Ikebana, a Japanese art, is the ultimate expression of Flower arrangement. Ikebana means living flower it is an expression of harmony and beauty of Nature. The flowers are arranged in the same way as they grow in nature. It was with this event that JAAI began its activities for the year 2005-06. It was organized as a symbol of cultural cooperation and to promote better understanding of the cultures of India and Japan.

During the workshop Mrs Ratna Guha, an Ikebana Master from Sogetsu school, Tokyo, demonstrated this beautiful Japanese art. Mrs. Ratna Guha has widely demonstrated and taken Ikebana workshops in different parts of the world, i.e., Paris, London, Rome, Athens, Malta, La Paz, Harare, Blantyre and in India. She is a member of the Teachers’ Association of Sogetsu School, Tokyo. She is the Chapter President of Ikebana International No. 255, in Gurgaon.

The programme was divided into two sessions with a tea-break in-between. In the first session, Mrs. Guha demonstrated making of six beautiful Ikebana arrangements. The second session was devoted to making of Ikebana arrangements by the participants. The participants were provided with materials including vase and flowers in this session and they tried their hands in making Ikebana flower arrangements under the guidance of Mrs. Guha.

The programme was open for active JAAI members and their families. About 125 persons, including children, participated in the programme. The response of the participants was enthusiastic. Children as well as adults took active part in making Ikebana arrangements. The workshop was not only fun but also a valuable method for decorating their houses and bringing it more near to nature. Participants interacted freely with the Instructor to clear their doubts and learn the intricacies involved in this art.

The Speaker Mr. C. Rajasekhar, Director (East Asia) from Ministry of External Affairs, who was also the Guest of Honour for the function, delivered his speech on Indo-Japan Cooperation.

The programme was followed by High Tea and the feedback from the members was very encouraging.