CHENNAI: There is more in common between Tamil Nadu and Japan than ever before in this modern day, with language being the strongest bridge connecting the two places, said Pon Kothandaraman, former vice chancellor, Madras University, at the inaugural function of the Indo -Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry(IJCCI) center of excellence which happened recently. Recollecting his association with Professor Ono — the famous Japanese linguist, Kothandaraman said that it was through their association that Ono was able to research on the various similarities between Tamil and Japanese. “I am happy that I get to learn something new at every event here and I now know of Tamil, being the oldest language, has so much in common with the Japanese, both linguistically and culturally. There is a need for information dissemination to the younger generations and I wish IJCCI best in continuing their work in building bridges between the two nations,” said Seiji Baba, Consul General of Japan, Chennai.The bi-monthly magazine of IJCCI — Gateway — was also released at the event.
B S Raghvanan, former chief secretary, West Bengal -Tripura, also presided over the session, which saw the participation of over 100 members of IJCCI.