Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) held the networking event “GI-SEC Diwali Meetup 2026” on November 1, 2026 at TOIC-Gifu (OKB Gifu University Plaza) on campus.
Gifu University has been promoting educational and research collaboration with India through initiatives such as the Inter-University Exchange Project of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT). To support Indian students and researchers and encourage their long-term engagement with the local community, the university established two communities: the Gifu-India Student Community (GI-SC) and the Gifu-India Scientist & Engineer Community (GI-SEC).
Diwali1, one of India’s largest and most celebrated festivals as a main theme, GI-SEC Diwali Meetup 2026 was organized in conjunction with Gifu University Festival 2026 (October 30 - November 1) to foster interactions among students, researchers, faculty and staff, and local community members. GI-SEC Diwali Meetup 2026 was the second gathering since its launch this year.
On the day of the event, Dr. Akash Chandela, a graduate of Gifu University’s doctoral program and currently an employee of JUZEN Chemical Corporation (home office: Toyama Prefecture), was invited as a guest speaker. He shared insights into his journey toward building a career in Japan as both a researcher and an industry professional, discussed his current work in the corporate sector, and spoke about the opportunities and challenges of working in Japan as an international researcher. Following the presentation, an active Q&A session provided participants with a deeper understanding of research activities and career development in Japan.
During the networking session, participants enjoyed light refreshments and engaged in lively conversations. Indian students and researchers, Japanese students, faculty and staff members, and representatives from the local community exchanged ideas and experiences. A presentation on the cultural background of Diwali further enhanced participants’ understanding of Indian culture, while the event also served as a valuable opportunity to build new personal and professional networks. A total of 22 participants from both within and outside the university, including many Indian students, attended the event.
The event was organized by Assistant Professor Himanshu Shekhar Jha of the Faculty of Engineering, a graduate of Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), with support from Assistant Professor Agrahari Raj Kishan of the Gifu University Young Leaders Cultivation Program (G-YLC) and the Institute for Advanced Study, as well as Mr. Pranav Deevi, a student in the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science.
Gifu University will continue to provide opportunities for such exchanges and support the development of human resources and networks that connect the local community with the international community.
Note: This event was supported by MEXT’s Inter-University Exchange Project (FY2025 Selection: Promoting Inter-University Exchanges with Universities in India and Africa).
Group Photo
Dr. Akash Chandela (right), guest speaker, and Assistant Professor Himanshu Shekhar Jha of Gifu University (left)
