Prajakta Giridhari Kale has been working on creating and maintaining Bonsai for the last 35 years. This Thursday, she entered her name in the Guinness Book of Records with the world’s largest display of Bonsai Trees.

With this award, Kale become the first woman in the field of Bonsai art to have established a new world record. Breaking the record of Ganapathy Sachchidananda’s world record of 2649. He had created that record on December 21,2016. Kale set a new benchmark with 3333 Bonsai Trees in display.

Prajakta showed interest towards starting courses that teaches Bonsai Art as a skill. She said ” I want to start a course that teaches Bonsai Art as a skill. I believe that women from rural areas and youngsters would be empowered to earn a living with dignity through Bonsai Art. It is now my mission to make this happen.”

She went on to say that Bonsai Art has taught her patience creativity and also made her a better human being. She believes that Bonsai Art can spread positive vibes among all.

The award was facilitated to Kale in the presence of Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Finance and Forest Department, Govt of Maharashtra and Vikas Kharge, Secretary, Forest and land Acquisition, Govt of Maharashtra. Sanjay Ingale, Assistant Secretary, Department of industry, Govt of Maharashtra; Rushi Nath, Adjudicator of Guinness Book of World Records; Dr. KH Sancheti, head of Sancheti Hospital and Philanthropist along with Bonsai Masters from around the world were also present in the event.

“Bonsai Art has the potential of becoming one of the most lucrative occupations in India. As a nation, we are on the mission of zero percent import and 100 per cent export,I believe that Bonsai can make contribution in this regard and Prajakta Kale’s work has showed us that. We are working towards creating opportunities by bringing Bonsai Art under the skill India Programme.” – Mungantiwar said.

Earlier this year, Kale along with her organisation ‘Bonsai Namaste’ had organised the world’s largest Bonsai Convention in Pune. With around 1000 Bonsai plants on display ranging from 150 different species, the convention was visited by delegates from 20 countries.

Forest and land Acquisition Secretary Vikas Kharge said “It is a proud moment for the entire state of Maharashtra, Prajakta Kale has been responsible for reinstating Bonsai Art as an Indian Art form known as Vaman Vriksha Kala.”

He added – “As a representative of the Forest Department, I assure her that we would work with her to generate employment among rural and tribal women through Bonsai Art.”