On 3 November 2009, His Majesty AKIHITO, Emperor of Japan honoured Dr. Venkataraman Krishnamurthy, Chairman of National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council, Government of India with The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the promotion of bilateral economic relations and understanding of Japan in India.

Dr. Krishnamurthy will travel to Japan, where H.M. the Emperor will bestow the Order and give an audience at the Imperial Palace at 10:30 am on 5 November 2009.

About Dr. V. Krishnamurthy

Dr. Krishnamurthy served as Secretary to the Ministry of Industry, Chairman and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, Chairman and CEO of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and since 2008 holds the current position.

Through the years, Dr. Krishnamurthy has been a leading figure in developing the manufacturing sector of India. He concerted the collaboration of Maruti and Suzuki, has lead the joint effort to a great success through applying the Japanese operations management style, and encouraged many other Japanese companies to enter the Indian market and form partnerships. He played a key role in enhancing the economic relationship between India and Japan.

As a Chairman of India Japan Study Committee, Dr. Krishnamurthy pioneered the evolution of the concept of “Model Industrial Township”. The idea and the ground work done with the Japanese industry facilitated the establishment of a flourishing industrial Township at Manesar in Haryana, where there is currently a concentration of Japanese corporations.

Dr. Krishnamurthy has been awarded multiple awards including Padma Vibhushan by the H.E. President of India, and Special Nakajima Award by JIPM (Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance).

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 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.