Part 1 - "Celebrations" in New Delhi

To celebrate four decades of Sogetsu School of Ikebana, New Delhi Branch and in honour of His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan conferring "The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold & Silver Rays" on Mrs Veena Dass,Director, Sogetsu School of Ikebana, New Delhi Chapter an Ikebana Exhibition titled "Celebration" was held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi.

Mrs. Salma Ansari, Spouse of the Hon’ble Vice President inaugurated the event.


H. E. Mr. Hideaki Domichi, Ambassador of Japan to India & Mrs. Noriko Domichi were the Guests of Honour. Mrs Veena Dass was conferred the decoration in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the India-Japan Relationship. Mrs. Dass’ association with Ikebana began in 1960. She became the founding member of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Delhi Chapter in 1966 and continues to be its Director to date.

Mrs Veena Dass, in her beautiful speech emphasised that rather than differentiating ourselves under various school names we must be integrated as one family - "The Ikebana Family" that shares a common passion and love for expression through the magical medium of flowers!


True to her words, Ikebana Masters, Teachers and Students belonging to different schools - Ikenobo, Ohara & Sogetsu from all parts of the country were present and expressed their unlimited joy on Mrs Das's great achievement through their beautiful arrangements.

The Order 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.

THE SOGETSU STUDY CIRCLE CHENNAI VISITS NEW DELHI
Seven members of the Sogetsu Study Circle, Chennai under the guidance of Sensei Malathi Pandurang were present at the memorable event.

(The Team with the Ambassador of Japan)

Three of them including Sensei Malathi presented Ikebana arrangements.

"Boxful of Flowers for Veena Dass" by Sensei Malathi Pandurang

(Spray Chrysanthemums, Limoneum, Eucalyptus Leaves, Asia Lily, Jasmine Branches in an antique Gujarati Masala Box)

"South" by Sensei Meenakshi Sarin (Coconut Fronds, Red Coconut, Coir, Heliconia in combination containers)

"Late Bloomer" by Dally Varghese (Pink Spray Carnations and Vines in twin metallic containers)
In the next part, I will write more about our trip to New Delhi. Yes, I will be posting more pictures also!!

Comments

flowergirl said…
Thank you Venkatesh...I got a quick peak at the arrangements, Lovely as usual!

Congratulations Sensei Meenu!!
Anonymous said…
Well done so quickly too Venkatesh!! am waiting for part 2 Malathi. Really we were a group indeed!! is'nt it?
Venkimayyu said…
Thank you for the comments Ambika. And who is the Anonymous one? Shobha or meenu? I wish you wrote your name :) Thanks anyway for the comment. Yes, we were indeed a group and had great fun, no doubt!
flowergirl said…
Anonymous says "Malathi", Venkatesh!

On with Part 2 now, quick!!
Venkimayyu said…
Flowergirl, I was a bit confused because I saw a sentence following Malathi. I thought someone was addressing Ma'am :)
Anonymous said…
Venky....that was a nice write up.....thank you.....also could never ever even think of addressing maam except as 'Sensei' regards.
meenakshi sarin
Anonymous said…
Meiki Sensei, Thank you so much for the comment. And thank you immensely on behalf of all of us for showing us around, despite the badly hurt leg and all the strain we gave you :) :)

Venki
Anonymous said…
Where can I learn Ikebana and Bonsai in Delhi?
Langma said…
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