Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) commemorated the 5th anniversary of ZEN-KAIZEN at AMA by hosting a panel discussion titled “Learnings from the Timeless Wisdom of ZEN – KAIZEN” and releasing the book “Zen-Kaizen in Daily Life: Tiny Messages, Timeless Values.”
On this occasion, Chief Guest Ms. Hitomi Sato, Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai, delivered the keynote address on “Zen & Kaizen – Confluence of Japanese & Indian Wisdom.”
Congratulating the association, Ms Sato said, “The Zen-Kaizen initiative at AMA showcases the vibrant splendour of Japanese art, culture, landscape, and architecture. Practising Zen and Kaizen together teaches us a calm mind, a kind heart, and to be better every day; they help us become happy, confident, caring, and successful human beings.”
Over the last five years, more than 50,000 people have visited Zen-Kaizen to learn about Zen and Kaizen practices, which is a proud moment for us.
Mohal Sarabhai, Vice-President of AMA, said, “Zen helps us stay calm and happy, while Kaizen helps us keep improving and growing.” The event celebrated five successful years of this unique initiative, which was designed as a “Living Bridge” between the wisdom of Japan and India. The center was originally inaugurated on June 27, 2021, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
Mukesh Patel, Honorary Consul of Japan in Ahmedabad and Past President of AMA, reflected on “Five Eventful Years of an Inspirational Landmark at AMA.” He noted, “Zen teaches us to be peaceful. Kaizen teaches us to be better. Together, they help us grow into our very best!
Dr. Paresh Kariya, Director of PAPL and AIQ Quality India, presented on “The Kaizen Way to Personal & Organizational Excellence.” He explained, “Kaizen teaches us to learn something new every day, keep trying, never give up, improve step by step, and turn small efforts into big achievements. If you read one more page, learn one new word, draw one better picture, or help one more friend today than yesterday, you are practising Kaizen.”
Girjesh Sharma, Yoga Expert and Founder of Kaivalya Yoga Shala, spoke on “Zen in Daily Living for Inner Peace & Outer Harmony.” He remarked, “Zen teaches us to be calm and peaceful, pay attention to what we are doing, enjoy the present moment, be kind to ourselves and others, and find happiness in simple things. When we draw, read, play, or help someone with full attention, we are practising Zen.”
Yatindra Sharma, Chairman of the Indo-Japanese Economic Cooperation Council and Past President of AMA, presented the concluding remarks. He noted, “Zen reminds us that ‘a quiet mind helps us see the beauty in everything!’ and Kaizen reminds us that ‘small steps every day lead to great success one day!'”
