MUMBAI (India CSR): Harsha Hinduja, President of the India Friendship Bonsai Society (IFBS) and Trustee of the Hinduja Foundation, along with Urvashi Thakkar, Vice President of IFBS, in collaboration with Jamnabai Narsee School, inaugurated the 25th annual Bonsai & Ikebana exhibition “Bonsai Blossoms 2026” today at the school’s campus. The exhibition was unveiled by actress Tamannaah Bhatia, a long-time believer in the calming, meditative power of bonsai and mindful living. Dignitaries including Smt. Rajashree Birla, Indian philanthropist, Jayraj Thakkar Managing Trustee of Narsee Munjee Educational Trust and Ashok Hinduja, Chairman Hinduja Group of companies (India) were also present during the event.
This year’s display features Indian-grown bonsai ranging from 10 years to around 35 years old bonsai, including a 35-year-old Bougainvillea and a 30-year-old Ficus, both maintained over decades by Harsha Hinduja. With over 200 bonsai trees on view, the exhibition presents a broad mix of Indian species and long-practised techniques, offering visitors a simple, clear window into the time and care behind the art.
Commenting on the event, Harsha Hinduja, President of IFBS and Trustee of Hinduja Foundation, said, “For me, bonsai is an amalgamation a panchamrit of the five elements: water, fire, earth, air and space. Bonsai is a living dialogue with Mother Earth, a celebration of patience, balance and harmony with nature. Each tree carries its own character and, in nurturing it, we also nurture introspection and inner growth within ourselves. Through Bonsai Blossoms, our endeavour is to bring together artists, enthusiasts and young learners from across the world not merely to admire this art, but to inspire a deeper connection with the environment. Our vision goes beyond the trees; it is about giving back and healing nature for all that Mother Nature so generously gives us, while ensuring this timeless art continues to connect people and cultures across generations.”
Each year, IFBS hosts this exhibition to bring the community together, encourage learning, and sustain the traditional practice of bonsai in India. Over the years, the showcase has also inspired many visitors to take up bonsai as a calming hobby and explore a closer relationship with nature.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tamannaah Bhatia, chief guest for the event, shared, “There is something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by living art. Bonsai teaches us humility and reminds us to slow down, appreciate the natural world, and care for it with intention. Events like these helps reconnect us with the quiet strength that nature holds.”
Urvashi Thakkar, Vice President of IFBS, who began this long-standing collaboration with Jamnabai Narsee School as the exhibition venue, expressed her appreciation toward the Society’s members, saying, “Bonsai is a living art form that requires constant dedication and compassion. Over the years, IFBS has grown into a vibrant community that learns, creates and celebrates nature together. I am grateful to our members, our visiting artists, and especially to Harsha Hinduja, whose leadership continues to guide the Society with warmth and purpose.”
H. E. Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan said, “It is encouraging to see the growing appreciation for bonsai and ikebana in India. These art forms embody the Japanese principles of harmony, simplicity and coexistence with nature. IFBS has played an important role in fostering this cultural exchange, and it is wonderful to see international artists contributing to this meaningful dialogue.”
For the first time this year, IFBS has also hosted a specialised bonsai workshop led by a line-up of global bonsai creators; Michael Morden (Philippines), Hayes Teo Siaw Hui (Malaysia), Veer Choudary (India), Gilang Muhammad (Indonesia), Manoj Kumar (India), and Ardiansyamei (Indonesia), offering participants hands-on learning in styling, shaping, and long-term care.
(India CSR)
