Pune-based Prajakta Kale becomes the world’s first individual to receive a doctorate in Bonsai art

Pune, February 29, 2020: As a matter of pride for India, Prajakta Kale, a renowned international Bonsai master from Pune has been conferred with a doctorate in Bonsai art by European International University, (EIU) Paris, France. Prajakta Kale was honoured at a grand felicitation ceremony held at The Westin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

Dignitaries including Dr Ajay Desai, Global Promotor, EIU, Dr. Parmeshwaran, International Advisor, EIU, Robert Brand, Trustee, EIU, Assel Aitbayeva of EIU, Prof. Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan, Director-General, EIU and Giridhar Kale, Industrialist were present at the function.

Prajakta Kale who has been involved in Bonsai since past more than 35 years was selected for her finesse and mastery in the art, which has its origins in India, where it is known as ‘Vaman Vruksha Kala’. There are around 15,000 species of the trees in India that can be made into Bonsai. In order to create awareness about this art, Prajakta Kale accordingly has started a movement through, ‘Bonsai Namaste’. In 2018, she had organized world’s largest international Bonsai Convention and Exhibition in Pune, which featured thousands of exquisite Bonsai trees and was visited by more than 1.5 lakh people.

Speaking at the function, Prajakta Kale stated, “I have devoted the last 35 years of my life to know the importance of this art. There is a huge demand of Bonsai trees across the world, so accordingly I decided to convert this art into a skill for everyone including the youth, women, farmers, students and nursery owners who would want to learn the art and become self-employed.”

She added, “We have designed a certificate course in Bonsai for students of agriculture and horticulture to learn and pursue it as a vocation. It will provide them with an opportunity to become self-employed by starting their own ventures in Bonsai and contribute toward the society.”

Prajakta Kale also holds a ‘Guinness World Record’ for the largest display of Bonsai trees numbering 3,333 in Pune. She has also received several International and National awards for her contribution in this field.