PUNE: Pune-based Prajakta Kale, a renowned international Bonsai master, has received a doctorate in Bonsai art by European International University (EIU) in Paris, France.

Kale was honoured at a grand felicitation ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday. She claims to be the world’s first individual to receive such a doctorate in Bonsai art. Kale has been involved in Bonsai for over 35 years and was selected for her finesse and mastery in the art, which has its origins in India, where it is known as ‘Vaman Vruksha Kala’. She also holds a ‘Guinness World Record’ for the largest display of Bonsai trees numbering 3,333 in Pune.

There are around 15,000 species of the trees in India that can be made into Bonsai and to create awareness about this art, Prajakta Kale accordingly has started a movement through, ‘Bonsai Namaste’.

Kale said, “There is a huge demand for 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.”

“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 ventures in Bonsai and contribute toward society,” Kale added.