Press Releases - From Embassy
Press Release No.21

On 29th April 2011^*, His Majesty The Emperor of Japan honoured Dr. Kuunnavakkam Vinjamur Kesavan, Former Professor of School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of Japanese studies and the promotion of the understanding of Japan in India.

About Dr. K.V. Kesavan:

Dr. Kuunnavakkam Vinjamur Kesavan is a distinguished and pioneering scholar in the field of Japanese Studies in India, especially in the areas of Japanese domestic politics, history, defence and foreign policy. He was a professor on the faculty of the Centre for East Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, from 1970 onwards, and served as Chairman of the Centre during 1985-87, 1993-95 and 1999-2000. He is currently a Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Dr. Kesavan joined the Indian School of International Studies (now known as the School of International Studies, JNU) as a Research Scholar in 1963 and completed his Doctorate in 1970. Dr. Kesavan has published extensively on Japan in scholarly journals and books, both in India and abroad. He has organized national and international seminars, projects and conferences on a wide range of subjects connected with Japan and East Asia. Recipient of several prestigious fellowships – such as Fulbright, Japan Foundation, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, the Australian National University, the Institute of Developing Economies, Tokyo – he has been connected with universities in Japan, United States, and Australia. He has held visiting professorship at Ritsumeikan University, Kobe Gakuin University, and the Ship and Ocean Foundation, Tokyo. During his tenure, Dr. Kesavan has trained numerous research scholars in India and Japan.

He received the Commendation award from the Japanese Foreign Minister in August 2001 for his contribution to the closer understanding of Japan in India, and his efforts in training the subsequent generation of Indian and Japanese scholars.

About the Orders of the Rising Sun:

The Orders of the Rising Sun, established in 1875, were Japan’s first awards. These decorations are conferred in recognition of an individual’s (both Japanese and foreign) distinguished accomplishments. The Orders of the Rising Sun are classified into six ranks: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, and The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.

These decorations feature rays of sunlight radiating from a rising sun. The attachments are shaped into paulownia flowers and leaves.

* The conferment of Decoration was officially decided on 29th April; however, the announcement was postponed until 18th June due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.