Rudraksh: Varanasi Conventional Centre

• Prime Minister inaugurated the Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre.
• PM Modi referred to the Convention centre as a creative and dynamic structure built with the assistance of Japan.
• VICCC has been named Rudraksh in recognition of the ancient city’s connection with Lord Shiva.

Rudraksha:

• Well-equipped convention centre
• Features:

1. Full flying tower,
2. Seating capacity of 1,200,
3. A gallery, meeting rooms, and parking for 120 cars
4. The roof of this convention is shaped like Shiva Linga.

• Objective: to provide opportunities for social and cultural interactions between people, at the centre which would strengthen the city's competitiveness by developing its 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.
• It will exhibit a glimpse of the wonderful and ancient city of Kashi.
• It has been installed with 108 Rudrakshas and the entire building will glow with LED lights at night.
• The convention centre is ideal for holding international conferences, exhibitions, music concerts etc.
• The gallery is decorated with murals depicting Varanasi’s art, culture and music.
• VCC is fit for Level 3 of Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) as environment-friendly project.

About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

• Estd in 1974:
• It is a governmental agency that delivers the bulk of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the government of Japan.
• It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation.
• It is the world’s largest bilateral aid agency