PUNE: “Where we see concrete and cement buildings around us, city-based bonsai artist Prajakta Kale has made remarkable efforts to preserve the ancient art and has brought it to the notice of all,” said Sharad Pawar, former Union agriculture minister and Nationalist Congress Party President, after the inauguration of the ‘Bonsai Namaste’ exhibition on Thursday at the Agriculture College Ground, Sinchan Nagar.

The exhibition will be open between 9 am and 10 pm till February 25.

Along with chief guest Sharad Pawar, renowned scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, Council General of Japan Ryoji Nado, Bonsai Master from Indonesia Rudy Najan, Bank of Maharashtra Chairman Ravindra Marathe, Indian Bank Chairman Kishor Kharat, MP Anil Shirole, IGP, Kolhapur Range, Vishwas Nangare Patil, Prajakta Kale’s mother-in-law Kaveribai Kale and her husband Giridhar Kale were present at the inauguration. Pawar also released the book ‘Bonsai Namaste,’ written by Prajakta Kale on the occasion. 

Over 1,000 bonsai plants such as ficus varieties, tamarind, casurina, junipers, phyllanthus and ulmus are on display at the exhibition. The exhibition has been organised by Kale herself.

Explaining the potential of the art, Kale said, “Bonsai is an ancient art form of India. If knowledge and awareness is spread about it, it has potential to generate huge employment. Moreover, it has an ayurvedic angle to it.”

Pawar said, “The bonsai art is an ancient art form of India. However, with the help of the Buddhist community, the art was spread across the world. Japan and China have been commercialising bonsai for many years. Through such exhibitions, there will be an awareness about the art. People will probably take up such activities, which would keep the ancient form alive among all.”