Zen Gardens, often referred to as Japanese rock gardens, are believed to be a way to relieve stress, improve concentration, increase discipline, stimulate creativity, and develop a sense of well-being. On June 27, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Zen Garden in Gujarat, elaborating his vision to create 'Mini-Japan'. He also inaugurated Kaizen Academy set up at the premises of the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA). SURFACES REPORTER (SR) brings here all the things that you need to know about the Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy in Ahmedabad.
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A typical Zen Garden borrows elements from nature such as rock, gravel and pebbles from river bed that allows you to create a spiritual bond with nature.
Who Designed Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy in Ahmedabad?
Twenty-five years old city-based architect Anushri Patel conceptualised and developed the Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy at Ahmedabad Management Association. It was Anushri's first project. She was still studying at reputable architectural association, London, when she got the opportunity to spend two-weeks along with her colleague Neha Rajora in Japan to visit and understand several traditional Japanese Gardens in April 19 before she could use those necessary Japanese elements at the Zen Garden in Ahmedabad. Anushri Patel and her colleague took 15-day training in April 2019 at Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Landscape Planning & Horticulture Academy in Japan.
The architect and her colleague used Awaji tiles, which she got as a gift from Hyogo, in the entire garden pathways to demonstrate the amity between the two nations. Also, they made several adaptations as the climate of Japan and Ahmedabad is quite different. They used flora and fauna similar to ones that have been used in Japan. According to them, the Fusion Chabutro is their way of celebrating 'Indo-Japanese friendship' .
For designing the Kaizen Hall at AMA, they took cues from the traditional Japanese tea house interiors with circular windows that give outstanding views of the garden.
The Japan Information and Study Centre at AMA and Indo-Japan Friendship Association (IJFA), Gujarat, supported by the Hyogo International Association (HIA), Japan, have collaborated to realize this Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy in Gujarat. PM Modi also expressed his gratitude to them during the inaugural event.
Incorporation of Japanese Art and Culture
The design of Zen-Kaizen at AMA seeks to present the various elements of Japanese art, culture, landscape and architecture
Peace, Poise and Simplicity
The Zen garden will provide a glimpse of the same peace, poise and simplicity that the Indians have been experiencing in Yoga through the ages.
It symbolizes yin and yang, wind and water - two elements that connect the Earth and the sky.
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This Japanese-style garden is yet another example demonstrating India-Japan relations. PM Modi also said that the visit of Japan Prime Minister Shizo Abe to Gujarat gave new momentum to the India-Japan relationship. And this partnership during the Coronavirus crisis is more relevant for global stability and prosperity.
He also acknowledged Honda Motorcycle, Suzuki Motors, Toyota, Hitachi Mitsubishi for their involvement in the manufacturing in Gujarat.
PM Modi shared the photographs of Zen Garden on his Twitter handle.
Photo Credit: Twitter/@NarendraModi
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