Contact
Mr. Siddharth Lokachari
- Degree
- 1st year of master's course, Heat Resistant Material Engineering Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology
Message
Please give a short introduction of yourself.
I wish to introduce myself as a Masters’ student of Nagaoka University of Technology. I hold Bachelors’ degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India.
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What is your favorite thing about Nagaoka-city?
I have been living in Nagaoka for over a year and it has become my second home. The city is known for its long history, rich heritage, and not-so-harsh weather (especially snowfall). It is also a manufacturing hub hosting world-renowned firms and vibrant SMEs. Hailing from the temple city of Tirupati in India, I particularly like the serenity of Higashiyama Mountain range and enjoy the resplendent ‘Sakura’ (cherry blossom).
In what way has your impression of Nagaoka-city or Japan changed since coming here?
Nagaoka is in the central part of Nigata Prefecture. Japan. The city is well connected to the capital city, Tokyo, by bullet train and bus services. The city’s modern amenities, friendly citizens and deep seated culture attracted my attention. To gain a better understanding of the nuances of the local traditions, I started learning Japanese language a year ago and now I am fairly conversant. I hope to become proficient in reading the famed Kanji system of writing.
What attracted you to choose Nagaoka University of Technology as a place to study?
The basic philosophy of Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT) is: “to establish itself as an indispensable member of global society” and its motto is stated as VOS, which stands for “Vitality, Originality and Services”. When I studied the university’s research credentials, Professor Okazaki Masakazu’s world-class laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering caught my imagination. The gracious guidance and professional inputs provided by Professor Okazaki motivated me to join NUT for my graduate studies. The friendly lab environment, challenging experimental assignments and the academic freedom continue to inspire me to aim for higher research goals.
In what way did you adjust yourself to Japanese culture?
All my Japanese friends in NUT helped me to quickly adjust myself to the Japanese way of living – be it greeting elders with respect, or becoming conscious about the environment that nurtures us (examples: conserving energy, eliminating and disposing waste), or simply, leading a purposeful life. I learnt to appreciate and imbibe the grace of disciplined life, the dignity of honest toil and the respect for ancient traditions.
Please give a message to students or researchers in your home country who may be thinking about studying in Japan?
History stands testimony to the phenomenal success of Japanese economy, the global excellence of its businesses and the societal mission to lead and leave lasting legacy in the world. Japan effectively blends and intricately balances modernity with tradition, innovation with efficiency and nationalism with humanism. Students and researchers from India can immensely benefit, both personally and professionally, by devoting time to gain deeper insights into the glorious tradition, technology prowess and socio-economic evolution of Japan. Japanese friends are always fascinated to know about India’s magnificent history, heterogeneous culture and diverse traditions and they do welcome us humbly to share our own experiences.