Ten Indian youths to board Japan's friendship ship

New Delhi, Jan 12 (UNI) Ten youths from India will share their experiences with representatives from 13 other countries on a ship for 42 days as part of a programme organised by the Japanese government to promote friendship and international cooperation.

Under Japan's 20th 'Ship For World Youth Program', 119 youths from that nation and 141 from 13 other countries, including India, will spend 42 days on board a ship, starting January 24.

The ten-member Indian delegation left here for Japan to participate in the programme.

During their time onboard, the participants will study and discuss issues of common interest through lectures, cultural exchanges, sports and seminars.

The Indian contingent will reach Japan on January 15 and stay there till January 24 when they board the chartered ship 'Nippon Maru' to embark on a cruise around Singapore, Muscat and Chennai before returning to Tokyo on March 5 where all the members would disembark.

All the expenses of the participants, including air tickets, would be borne by the Japanese government.

During their stay in Japan, the delegation will meet Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and the Crown Prince and Princess.

The members of the Indian delegation have been selected by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Members of the Indian contingent have been drawn from Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

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