Lucknow/Varanasi, July 15, 2021

In a bid to provide a platform for social, economic and cultural interactions at national and international level in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Cooperation and Convention Centre — ‘Rudraksh’ in his parliamentary constituency on Thursday. 

The two-storey convention centre, which has a seating capacity of 1,200, was built with the assistance of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Constructed in the Sigra area of Varanasi over three acres of land at a cost of nearly Rs 200 crore, the ‘Rudraksh’ centre has been positioned as an ideal location to host all types of international conventions, concerts and exhibitions in order to strengthen the city’s competitiveness by developing its tourism sector. It comprises a main hall with a tower, meeting rooms and a spacious parking area that can accommodate as many as 120 cars.

To mark the event as a symbol of India-Japan friendship, Prime Minister Modi planted a sapling of Rudraksh Tree, which was brought from Kolkata. 

While expressing happiness over the inauguration of the International Convention Centre, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Rudraksh will enhance the Cultural heterogeneity of Uttar Pradesh and will be a global stage for the talented scholars and artists of Kashi and UP.” 

He went on to say that the platform is ideal for holding international conferences, exhibitions, music concerts and various other events adding that the gallery is done up with murals depicting Varanasi's art, culture and music. 

Reiterating that the State Government is committed to support the youth and the budding talented artists of Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi said, “This Centre will also aid the local artists, artisans which will in turn bolster the local economy and will emerge as one of the top tourist attractions in the state.”

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to Japan for their contribution towards the mega-project saying that, “In 2018, with the help of Japan, the foundation stone of Rudraksh convention centre was laid. Kashi is a very important centre for spirituality, literature, and music. I would like to thank our Hon’ble Prime Minister and Japan for their contribution.” 

During the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the magnificent platform as a glimpse of the cultural richness of the ancient city of Kashi. 

“A river of development is flowing in Kashi. Kashi's ancient glory is now existing in its modern form. It never stops or gets tired. During COVID, when the country stopped, Kashi and the entire Uttar Pradesh stayed balanced and disciplined, however the flow of development continued,” the Prime Minister said. 

He also remarked the project as an ideal portrayal of India-Japan ties saying that it has given scope for future opportunities and with the efforts of both countries, a new chapter has been written on development and bilateral relations

As many as 108 Rudraksh have been installed at this convention centre and its roof is shaped like a Shiva Linga, officials said, adding that the entire building will glow with LED lights at night.

*What the Centre Encompasses :*

 The JICA-assisted Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre (VCC) named ‘Rudraksha', is a well-equipped convention centre, comprising of a main hall with a full flying tower, a seating capacity of 1,200, a gallery, meeting rooms, and parking for 120 cars. The main hall may be partitioned into smaller spaces when required. VCC is also planned to be an environment-friendly building, fit for Level 3 of Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). VCC will be equipped with adequate security and safety systems, with a regular entrance, a service entrance and a separate VIP entrance, making it an ideal destination for holding all types of international conventions.

The Project will give a major boost to the state’s tourism sector. JICA has assisted the construction of the convention centre by providing a Grant in Aid of 3,042 million Japanese yen (approximately INR 200 crore) under the Japanese ODA scheme. The foundation stone for the centre was laid in 2015, during then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Varanasi.