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His Majesty AKIHITO, Emperor of Japan honoured Mrs. Veena Dass, Director of Sogetsu School of Ikebana Delhi Chapter and Former President of Ikebana International Delhi Chapter with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the India-Japan Relationship.
Taking this occasion, the Embassy of Japan in India will host a ceremony for the presentation of the decoration. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, 4th December, 2008 from 6.30pm to 7.00pm at Japanese Ambassador’s residence (50-G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi). The ceremony will be followed by a reception.
About Mrs. Veena Dass
Mrs. Veena Dass’ name is synonymous with Ikebana, a traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement with the history of over thousand years. Mrs. Dass’ tryst with Ikebana began during her in Japan in 1960. After studying at the Ikenobo and Ohara School of Ikebana in Japan, she became one of the founding members of Ikebana International Delhi Chapter in 1965 and also the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Delhi Chapter in 1966. She has been the President of the Ikebana International (1990-1992) and the Director of Sogetsu School of Ikebana (1970-present).
While instructing Ikebana to the both young and matured, Mrs. Dass has demonstrated Ikebana for numerous exhibitions in and out of the country for decades. She also conducted a series of lessons on Doordarshan Television in 1970-80, which immensely contributed to the popularity of Ikebana in India. Her Ikebana has been appreciated and highly commended by the Indian dignitaries such as then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, President Zakir Hussain, President V.V.Giri, President Venkatraman, President Giani Zail Singh, President K.R. Narayanan and visiting Japanese Dignitaries such as Imperial Highness Prince and Princess Akishino, Prime Minister Kaifu, Prime Minister Mori, Mrs. Abe, wife of Prime Minister Abe and among many others.
She has been awarded by two different prominent schools of Ikebana (Sogetsu and Ikenobo), which is extremely rare even for Japanese. She was ranked “Riji” in 2006, which is one of the highest ranks in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.
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.
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