Maruti chairman awarded The Order of the Rising Sun by Japan

Maruti Suzuki India chairman R C Bhargava has been awarded the 'The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star' by The Emperor of Japan for his contribution to the promotion of economic and bilateral relations between Japan and India.

The ceremony for conferring the award will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 7, according to a statement by the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi.

Bhargava will be given an audience with The Emperor, it added.

The award has been given to Bhargava 'in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the promotion of economic relations and mutual understanding between Japan and India.

"During his career in Maruti, he has introduced Japanese-style management and Japanese manufacturing culture to India," the statement said.

Bhargava has also worked significantly to

expand and strengthen the business relationship between the two countries 'through his valuable advice to Japanese companies which have shown interest to invest in India, giving business lectures to them both in India and in Japan, and publishing books or writing columns in Japanese magazines.'

Bhargava was involved in the 'Maruti Project' from the beginning. He was appointed as the managing director of Maruti Udyog Ltd in 1985.

Then he became the chairman and managing director of Maruti Udyog in 1990, a post he held till 1992.

After Suzuki acquired majoirty control of the company, he was re-inducted to the Board in 2003 and was appointed as the chairman in 2007, a position he still holds.

The Orders of the Rising Sun award given by Japan was established in 1875. It is conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of an individual, both Japanese and foreigner.

Image: R C Bhargava