C.N.R. Rao, T.K.A. Nair to get top Japanese honours

Four Indians, including leading scientist C.N.R. Rao and former principal secretary to prime minister T.K.A. Nair, are among the 85 foreign recipients of Spring Imperial Decorations announced by the Japanese government on Wednesday.

The Order of the Rising Sun is conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of an individual.

The presentation ceremony -- Investiture of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star -- will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 8, when the foreign recipients will be given an audience with the Emperor of Japan, a Japanese embassy release here said.

Nair would be conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star for his "contribution to the enhancement of relations and the promotion of friendship between Japan and India".

Rao, the Bharat Ratna recipient, is being conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star for his "contribution to promoting academic interchange and mutual understanding in science and technology between Japan and India".

Nikunj Parekh, president of Indo-Japanese Association, Mumbai, is being conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for his contribution to promoting and presenting Japanese Culture in India.

Topgay Bhutia, a former Japanese embassy employee in India, will be conferred with the top Japanese honour for his contribution to the activities of the Japanese overseas establishment.