(From left) Dr Toshiro Endo, Dr Ken Sasaki and Prof. Nachiketa Das at Ravenshaw University. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Feb. 28: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was today signed between Ravenshaw University and Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin University, Japan, to promote collaborative research and development.

This is for the first time that a university of Orissa signed an MoU with a university of Japan.

It is expected that the joint venture will promote collaborative research in a number of areas such as bioremediation of urban wastewater and mine waste water, water quality, environmental technology, waste management, computer science and electronics and renewable energy, said Prof. Nachiketa Das, head of the department of Geology.

“The MoU will facilitate exchange of ideas and technology as many reputed industries such as Mitsubishi, SHARP and other companies are based in Japan. Moreover, we will try to bring in advanced technology to improve water quality, water purification, bio-recycling and use of rare earth elements,” Das said.

Rare earth elements are available in abundance in the state, which need to be explored. These elements are useful in making vital electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, television and others.

Japan relies heavily on recycling old electronic gadgets, which is crucial for maintenance of a clean environment in the state.

The average life expectancy is 84 for men and 86 years for women in Japan, which is mainly due to clean environment and water quality. Though there are a number of heavy industries there, the amount of pollution is less compared to any metros in India.

“We will try to stress on maintaining a clean and green environment besides regular research projects on water treatment, purification and bio-recycling,” said Dr Ken Sasaki, dean (graduate school of engineering), Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin University.

Emphasis will also be given on improving bilateral ties between the two countries by expanding and exploring new economic opportunities.

Hiroshima University has already signed an MoU with College of Engineering, Anna University and University of Thailand. This is for the first time that the university has signed an agreement for five years with a university in the state.

The authorities of Ravenshaw University are contemplating sending one student to Japan as part of the ongoing exchange programme. Subsequently, They plan to send more students and faculty members from the university to Hiroshima University and vice-versa.

“Hiroshima prefectural government is also keen to establish bilateral ties with India. We want Hiroshima prefectural government to sign an MoU with the state government and various companies here,” Das added.

Cuttack, February 28: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was today signed between Ravenshaw University and Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin University, Japan to promote collaborative research and development.

This is for the first time that a university of Orissa signed a MoU with a university of Japan.

It is expected that the joint venture will promote collaborative research in a number of areas such as bio-remediation of urban waste water and mine waste waters, water quality, environmental techonologies, waste management, computer science and electronics, renewable energy etc, said Professor Nachiketa Das, head of the department of Geology.

“The MoU will facilitate exchange of ideas, technology as most of reputed industries like Mitsubishi, SHARP and other companies are based in Japan. Moroever, we will try to bring in more technologies here including improving water quality, water purficiation, bio-recycling and use of rare earth elements,” Das informed.

Rare earth elements are available in abundance in placer deposits in Orissa which needs to be explored. These elements are useful in making vital electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, television and others.

Japan heavily relies on recycling old electronic gadgets which would be crucial for maintaining a clean environment in the state.

The average life expectancy is 84 for men and 86 years for women in Japan which is mainly due to clean environment and water quality. Though there are a number of heavy industries there, the amout of pollution is less compared to any metros in the country.

“We will try to give adequate stress on maintaining a clean and green environment besides regular research projects on water treatment, purification and bio-recycling,” said Dr Ken Sasaki, Dean Graduate School of Engineering of Hiroshima Kokusai Gakuin University.

Emphasis would also be given on improving bilateral ties between the two countries by expanding and exploring new economic opportunities.

Hiroshima University has already signed MoU with College of Engineering, Anna University and University of Thailand. This is for the first time that the university has signed an agreement for five years with a university in Orissa.

The authorities of Ravenshaw are contemplating to send one student initially to Japan as part of the ongoing exchange programe and subsequently more and more students, faculty from the varsity would be sent to Hiroshima University and vice-versa.

“Hiroshima prefectural government is also keen to establish bilateral ties with India. We want that Hiroshima prefectural government also signs MoU with state government and various companies here,” Das added.