On the last day of his Japan visit on Saturday, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial where he paid floral tribute to those killed in the atom bomb attack during World War-II.
The Chief Minister wrote in the Visitors' Book that he had heard about the tragedy, but visiting the memorial was real experience. "We should work together to ensure it never happens again. The Chief Minister expressed his solidarity and support towards victims saying that he was deeply moved and humbled to know the details of the tragedy. Resolve should be taken to ensure that no other city ever becomes a Hiroshima," he said.
The Chief Minister remarked that only the path shown by lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi can save human beings from destruction and violence. Same consciousness dwells in all living beings. Only this feeling can save humanity. This thinking of India can lead the world on the path of peace. "My heart filled with pain and agony when I imagined the atomic catastrophe", he added. He also wished health, prosperity and welfare of all.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial, commonly called the Atomic Bomb Dome or Genbaku Domu in Hiroshima,
Japan, is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. The ruin serves as a memorial to the people who were killed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Over 70,000 people were killed instantly, and another 70,000 suffered fatal injuries from radiation.
The building was the only structure left standing near the bomb's hypercentre. Soon commonly called the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome, due to the exposed metal dome framework at its apex, the structure was scheduled to be demolished with the rest of ruins, but the majority of the building was intact, delaying demolition plans. The Dome became a subject of controversy, with some locals wanting it torn down, while others wanted to preserve it as a memorial of the bombing and a symbol of peace. Ultimately, when the reconstruction of Hiroshima began, the skeletal remains of the building were preserved.
During these five days, the Chief Minister held important discussions with major Japanese institutions regarding development of Madhya Pradesh. He received investment proposals worth about 15,000 crore during the period.