Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) organized the exhibition, ‘Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World’ in collaboration with the Green Field School, Safdarjung Enclave, at latter’s premises on August 5-6, 2016.

The exhibition that has been shown in many countries over several years, has impactful panels such as ‘The United Nations and the Culture of Peace’, ‘Paths to Peace’, ‘Community’, ‘Disarmament’, ‘Heroes of Peace’, and many more. It brings together the ideas of thousands of people and organizations dedicated to finding a path to lasting peace in daily life.

Ms Mini Khanna, Principal, Green Field School, while inaugurating the exhibition, appreciated the efforts of BSG in the fields of peace, culture and education. The energy and dedication of the student volunteers explaining the exhibition panels was overwhelming and each one made an effort to know about the panel for which they were responsible.

The exhibition was very well received by the visiting students who enthusiastically viewed each panel. Many shared what they have learnt either by participating on visiting the exhibition. Students shared that they feel empowered by learning that even one individual can change the world, by changing one’s immediate environment.

A class seven student, said “I learned that we should consciously try to respect other people. Harmony can we achieved this way.” A lot of students shared that they have decided to write to the president of India, sharing with him about their ideas of spreading peace and happiness. The teachers who accompanied the students for viewing the exhibition, took the theme to their classes and discussed the theme “Peace” with the students.

The responses from the parents were also very encouraging. Few parents even took time to explain some of the panels to their children accompanying them. Many appreciated the initiative taken up by the school and communicated the importance of having such forums as the need of the hour. A visiting parent remarked that after seeing the exhibition he realised how important it is to inculcate these values in young children.

At the end of seeing the exhibition, each visitor was asked to write their remarks on peace-pigeon cut-outs, which were later pasted on huge posters to be given to the school for display.

ASN School in Mayur Vihar-I, New Delhi hosted the Gandhi, King, Ikeda: Building a Legacy of Peace exhibition in association with Bharat Soka Gakkai, from 21-23 April. This is an international exhibition put together by the Morehouse College, USA.

Indian freedom fighter Mohandas K. Gandhi, American civil rights advocate Martin Luther King Jr., and Buddhist philosopher, educator and author Daisaku Ikeda — three men from three different cultures and continents, have followed a common path of profound dedication and achievement in improving the lives of all people. The exhibition conveys the ideals and principles that these giants of the 20th century, lived by and propagated.

Mr. Dinesh Kumar Bhawsar, Deputy Education Advisor, HRD, Govt. of India inaugurated the exhibition, which was also attended by the BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta. The event started with the two of them going through the inspiring panels featuring colourful photographs, inspiring quotes and factual information about the three personalities; beautifully explained by the school’s students. Next was a thought provoking cultural programme presented by class XI students of the school, comprising skits, songs, and quiz, on social and humanitarian issues.

The school’s Principal, Ms. Sonia Luthra in her speech said that the need of the hour is to ensure world peace and it is only possible if each individual especially the young generation feel it their responsibility and take action to spread it.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Bhawsar said that there are many friends of peace, such as courage, love, kindness, honesty, and if one inculcate these qualities then once can spread peace. Earlier he also left his comment after seeing the exhibition that “The school and BSG organised a thoughtful event to teach us and understand peace. Students of the school explained peace in a very simplified way.”

Mr. Gupta praised the school students and said the values they learn in the school will help them throughout their life. He further said that one individual can change the world for better by becoming a good human being. He also asked students to imbibe their school’s motto ‘Faith & Follow, Act & Achieve, Serve & Smile’, in their lives.

Students very enthusiastically explained the importance of panels to the visitors and some of them shared what they have learnt from it. Kaustubh Joshi from class XI said that he learnt more about Gandhi’s life and he will strive to imbibe his qualities. Divesh Khanagwal said that this is for the first time that he got to know so much about Martin Luther and he’ll try and make friends by changing himself.

More than 2700 visitors who saw the inspiring exhibition were all praise for it. Some in their comments wrote: “Beautiful idea. Wonderfully executed, children got to know the three personalities in detail, their hard life and their contributions to the mankind.” “Great efforts. Tried to make students understand about the significance of peace and harmony.” “The exhibition has been a wonderful eye opening effort, definitely for school children.” “Very informative and facts about Rosa Park and others really left positive impact on children.”

A very powerful documentary on the same theme titled Gandhi, King, Ikeda: Community Builders was also shown many times during the three-days event. On the second day, the school organised poster-making and slogan writing competitions on 22nd April on the same theme, in which the students unleashed their imagination.

The two-day long exhibition titled “Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace” was inaugurated on 26th February 2016 at Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal. This exhibition was held in conjunction with an International Conference on Life Skills Education on 26th and 27th February 2016 held at the same venue. The exhibition received great reception and enthusiastic participation from one and all. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Keith Falconer, Venture Capitalist, Hong Kong, along with Shri Hari Mohan Gupta, Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University.
After viewing the exhibition, one visitor remarked, “This is a great presentation that captures the lives of three leaders of the world who are devoted to world peace”. Another visitor summed up the message saying, “This is the way we need to educate our society”.

Many educators and academicians viewed the exhibition and were deeply appreciative of the exhibition panels and by the passionate explanation by the volunteers. BSG members went all out to explain the deep message of ‘power of one’ as conveyed by the panels.

During the conclusion of the two-day conference, Prof. Anoop Swaroop, Vice-Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University, spoke about the great influence of Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Daisaku Ikeda had on our world and spoke about the need for Human Revolution as advocated by Dr. Daisaku Ikeda.

On 22 January 2016, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda was conferred the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Bhopal’s Barkatullah University. The conferral took place at the Central Tower of Soka University in Japan. The award was conferred by the Vice Chancellor of Barkatullah University, Prof. M.D. Tiwari, who had come to Japan especially for this occasion.

The conferral of the honorary doctorate, announced earlier in September 2015, comes in recognition of President Ikeda’s outstanding contri­bution to world peace and the development of education and culture.
The conferral ceremony began with a rendition of the Indian national anthem. After the citation was read out by Prof. Tiwari, the degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) was presented to Prof. Baba, President of Soka University, who received the award on behalf of President Ikeda and also read out President Ikeda’s acceptance speech.

The citation states: The central theme in Dr. Ikeda’s philosophy is that “human revolution”—inner-motivated change—within even a single individual can positively influence all humankind. Ranging from the protection of human rights to sustainability and the empowerment of women and youth, his concerns are all underpinned by Buddhist philosophy and respect for the dignity of life.

The central tenet of Dr. Ikeda’s thought is the fundamental sanctity of life, a value which he sees as the key to lasting peace and human happiness. Indeed, Dr. Ikeda’s unstinting commitment towards humanity makes him a gift to humanity.

Addressing those present at the conferral ceremony, Prof. Tiwari said, “It was my long cherished wish to honour Dr. Ikeda’s contribution. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to be able to confer the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) from Barkatullah University upon Dr. Ikeda today.”

Earlier, Prof. Tiwari and his wife went to the Tagore Square where the statue of the great Indian poet Rabindranth Tagore seemed to be watching over the students. They then moved to the Central Tower of Soka University where the conferral ceremony was held. Here they were welcomed by Soka University student representatives as well as Indians studying there. The honoured guests were overwhelmed by the warm welcome they received and happily joined an informal interaction where those students who went overseas to study in India also joined in.

Prof. Tiwari seeks to develop an education environment that is contextual and centred round the students’ needs. Concerned about those who cannot afford to go in for higher education because of economic reasons, he has raised funds and instituted over 200 scholarships, ensuring that the university treats all equally. He said, “Those who have studied in our institution will spread their wings in society and start serving those who do not have the opportunity to go in for higher education. In this way we can eradicate the inequality that is founded on economic disparities.”

Encouraging the students, Prof. Tiwari said, “Dr. Ikeda who is the founder of your institute is the person whose name should be known all over the world. I am expecting you, who have studied in Soka University, a wonderful university, to fully explore your potential and be truly successful.”

Renewing its commitment to establish a value-based society, BSG chose to join the SACH Bharat Conference held in the Capital over December 22-23, 2015.

BSG Chairperson Vishesh Gupta was invited to speak on ‘Minimum Governance, Maximum Self-governance’ at this conference that focussed on spirituality and work. Organised by ASSOCHAM and supported by the SREI Foundation and the Times Foundation, the conference had Indian and international speakers from all walks of life.
Mr. Gupta first talked of spirituality and recalled Shakyamuni Buddha’s description of dharma as the fundamental path by which people should live. He went on to say that in our terms it is “to rely on one’s authentic self, the self that we can believe in and be proud of at all times by”. Referring to the Middle Way, Mr Gupta said it was not just avoiding extremes but to live by “constantly interrogating one’s own actions to ensure that they accord with the path of humanity and this is spirituality—the humane way of living one’s life.” An expansion of the inner realm of life, he said, “encourages empathy for others and strengthens the desire to contribute to society; it brings forth the ‘sun ‘ of wisdom and compassion from within the depths of one’s life.” The process of human revolution, “bringing forth this inner sun, is the motive force that can enhance solidarity among people, lead to the prosperity of society, and create peace for humankind”.

Talking of self-governance Mr Gupta spoke of President Makiguchi’s description of the perfect job as one combining “beauty, benefit and good”. He stressed that ‘good’ is the most vital for self-governance. “Do you live for yourself alone, or for a greater purpose and value? It is easy to live thinking only of oneself, but to live for a great ideal requires steadfast commitment and courage… A person’s attitude to their work reflects their attitude to life and to people; it reflects their beliefs about life’s purpose…. Whether one works only to earn a salary or rather to create value for oneself and others—this is the question?” How can one achieve this inner awakening and inner motivation?

“Inner motivation implies self-control” he said, “one acts in a correct and responsible manner not because one is forced to, but spontaneously and on one’s own volition.” Adding that Dr Daisaku Ikeda calls it “Soft Power”, he went on to say that the process of soft power unleashes the inner energies of the individual. But, without the support of a philosophical foundation to strengthen and mobilise the spiritual resources of the individual, the use of soft power would become nothing more than ‘fascism with a smile’.

Soft power requires the recognition of dependant origination – it also seeks the development of harmonious relationships based respect for the sanctity of life, seeking harmony as a deeper level, and here, dialogue hold the key. Giving instances where this can be applicable in daily life, he said its starts with saying “Hello” “Good morning,” or “thank you,” brightly and cheerfully. It doesn’t matter if your greeting isn’t returned. Taking the lead in greeting others is important. Those who can respect others will be respected in turn.

Mr Gupta ended with a poem by Emerson — “Friendship”:

O friend, my bosom said,
Through thee alone the sky is arched,
Through thee the rose is red,
All things through thee take nobler form
And look beyond the earth,
The mill-round of our fate appears
A sun-path in thy worth.
Me too thy nobleness has taught
To master my despair;
The fountains of my hidden life
Are through thy friendship fair.”

Jagran Lakecity University (JLU), Bhopal, conferred the Honorary Doctorate Humane Letters (Humanity and Arts) to Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher and President, Soka Gakkai International (SGI).

The award was conferred in recognition of President Ikeda’s untiring pursuit of peace and love for humanity and accepted on his behalf by Soka Gakkai President, Minoru Harada.

The citation expressed appreciation for President Ikeda’s 2015 Peace Proposal and his emphasis on dialogue across differences for the sake of mutual co-existence as well as the self-directed transformation within the individual that leads to social transformation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anoop Swarup, the Vice Chancellor of JLU said, “The very ethos and central tenet of Ikeda’s thought, and of Buddhism, is the fundamental sanctity of life, a value which Ikeda sees as the key to lasting peace and human happiness.”

“Today in times of great global turmoil in the wake of terrorist attacks, be it Mumbai, New York, London or Paris and our retaliatory response to it, with no end in sight, Ikeda and his thought becomes ever so relevant.”

“In Ikeda’s view, global peace relies ultimately on a self-directed transformational change within the life of the individual, rather than on societal or structural reforms alone.”

He said that only iconic personalities such as Dr Daisaku Ikeda and the path of Buddha, Gandhi and (Martin Luther Jr) King will bring lasting change in this world of ours for our future generations to cherish.

The award was announced earlier at the university’s convocation ceremony that was held in the institution’s sprawling campus in Bhopal.

President Ikeda’s unceasing dedication to the cause of peace has gained him appreciation world over. He is a rare recipient of 363 honorary doctorates so far. The current honour will be the 14th academic honour from India. Earlier prestigious institutions from India that have given awards include the University of Delhi, Vishwabharati University and Himachal Pradesh University, to name a few.

In his acceptance speech as conveyed by Mr Harada at the event, President Ikeda conveyed his deep appreciation for this honour and said that it was a great privilege to be recognised by a distinguished institution of higher learning. He said, “Educational efforts grounded in a philosophy of respect for the dignity of life can be a source of enduring inspiration to people and create unfathomable value. Jagran Lakecity University continues to vibrantly extend the influence of human spiritual awakening and spread the message of peace.

“I am moved by your motto, ‘Igniting Minds, Changing Lives,’ and the ways in which you seek to concretise it….The state of Madhya Pradesh is known for its diamonds. I believe that the lives of young people are like diamonds in the rough. As humanity wrestles with the darkness of the times, the world yearns for the light that issues from young people imbued with indestructible hope.”

Echoing these thoughts, Mr Vishesh Gupta, Chairperson, Bharat Soka Gakkai (the Indian affiliate of the SGI) said, “Fixing his gaze on the distant future, President Ikeda is always focusing on taking action in the present moment. President Ikeda says: ‘Life is short. The most valuable thing we can devote our lives to is fostering people who will build a new age for the sake of tomorrow.’

“And, in exact accord with this belief, both Soka Gakkai and Jagran Lakecity University are engaging in fostering the new generation who will shoulder the responsibility for the future of humanity.”

In the vote of thanks, educator Ms. Vandana Jain said that President Ikeda believes that education is one of the most sacred and valuable tasks and he urges us to always ask: For what purpose should one cultivate wisdom? The true purpose of education he believes is to serve the people, remove suffering and protect humanity. So, as we leave today, let us respond to Mr. Ikeda’s expectations by reaffirming to bring in a new age of value creating education for the sake of peace and human happiness!

The Madurai Institute of Social Sciences (MISS) awarded the title of Honorary Professor in Social Sciences to SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, founder of Soka University, “for his outstanding and valuable contribution for the cause of world peace”, on 18 April 2015.

Prolonged applause and loud cheers followed the announcement of the award at the ceremony held in the Dharmalakshmi Auditorium cum Stadium on the MISS campus. Dr. Akash Ouchi, BSG’s honorary deputy chairperson, Ms. Bharati Ramachandran, BSG’s director and all-India deputy WD chief, and Mr. S. Seshadri, BSG’s general area chief of Tamil Nadu-Kerala General Area, accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Ikeda from Dr. (Capt) D.V.P. Raja, founder and chairman of MISS.

The conferral ceremony was held in conjunction with the 46th College Day celebrations and inauguration of the Centre for Thiruvalluvar Studies.

Also in attendance were Dr. M. Kannan, principal of MISS; Dr. G. Pankajam, former vice chancellor of the Gandhigram Rural Institute; Dr. M. Lakshmanan, well-known microbiologist and former vice chancellor of Madurai Kamaraj University; Mr. N. Manimozhiyan, principal general secretary, Ulaga Thirukkural Peravai; faculty, staff and 600 students of MISS; and BSG members from Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore, Bengaluru and Madurai. After Dr. Raja read out the citation, the hall was again filled with great jubilation and warm applause.

The Madurai Institute of Social Sciences, established in 1969, is a multi faculty research centre affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University and the first college in South India to offer courses related to professional social work and human resources management.

In his acceptance message, Dr. Ikeda said, “Nothing would please me more than to share this great honour with my beloved and noble friends of Bharat Soka Gakkai and my fellow members of the Soka Gakkai International in 192 countries and territories, the men and women who are striving to advance peace, culture and education as civic-minded citizens and good neighbours. I will cherish this academic honour for the rest of my life.”

THE RAMACHANDRAN-IKEDA Award for 2014 was conferred on Mr. Raha Naba Kumar, director of the Gandhi Ashram Trust, Noakhali, Bangladesh, on 12 March 2015 at a lively award ceremony at the Gandhi Peace Foundation in New Delhi. Mr. Naba Kumar is the seventh recipient of this award, which consists of Rs. 50,000 cash and a citation in recognition of his significant contributions in the areas of nonviolence, human rights, education, peace and social service.

Presenting the award, the chief guest, Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar, former ambassador and currently secretary of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, quoted a popular Urdu sher by Majrooh Sultanpuri to emphasise that the courage of one individual can change the course of history: “Main akelaa hi chalaa tha jaanib-e-manzil, magar / log saath aate gaye aur kaarvan bantaa gayaa.”

Accepting the award, Mr. Naba Kumar said, “I am a practitioner, I work in the field, I’m not very interested in theory. I have seen the spirit of youth at work in different areas, different places.” Mr. Naba Kumar’s wife, Tandra, received sustained applause for standing by her husband when he decided to leave his well-paid job and work with the Trust.

Youth Division members of the BSG Choir roused the whole hall to sing the SGI song ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ along with them. Speakers at the event included Prof. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, chairman of the all-India Harijan Sevak Sangh; Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, chairman, Indian Council of Gandhian Studies, New Delhi; and Mr. N. Vasudevan, director of the Indian Council for Gandhian Studies.

Dr. Akash K. Ouchi, BSG honorary deputy chairperson, said the award was constituted to foster youth in the spirit of mentor and disciple and enable them to become capable leaders in the future. “We all need someone by whom we are inspired. Dr. Ramachandran was inspired by Gandhiji, and Ikeda Sensei by his mentor, Toda Sensei.”

In closing, Mr. Vishesh Gupta, BSG chairperson, said: “There is a lot in common between Dr. Ikeda and Gandhiji in their ideology, their aspirations for mankind and their struggles for peace. One thing that stands out is their love, hope and expectations from the youth.”

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Radhakrishnan said, “There have been umpteen awards in the name of Gandhi but this award is special for Raha who has admired from a distance the educational ideas and the value creating culture fostered by Dr. Ikeda.”

On 20th and 21st of February 2015, Bharat Soka Gakkai brought the ‘Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World’ exhibition to Bluebells School International. The two day long exhibition was a culmination of the desire of a teacher who wished to inculcate the importance of peace in her community beginning with her students.

The exhibition, which was attended by a number of students and parents, was inaugurated by chief guest Dr. Madhumita Chakraborty, PHD and assistant professor of English at Zakir Hussain College. The first day saw many students from classes 6 to 10 in attendance, who actively participated with the volunteers as they covered the spread 30 thought intriguing panels. The exhibition began with the lighting of a lamp, followed by a welcome address by two young students who introduced Dr. Daisaku Ikeda and his contributions to peace and education. The girls also shared self-composed poems on the importance of a peaceful world free from violence and intolerance.

This was followed by an address by Dr. Chakraboty wherein she shared her impressions of the exhibition. In her address, Dr. Chakraborty touched upon various important issues such as the fact that peace starts at home, and that the existence of a peaceful world would require a change in the attitudes of the people who have become too accustomed to violence and blood-shed as natural facts of life. Dr. Chakraborty further stressed that it is action that is important, emphasising that it is our responsibility to shape the world we wish to live in. She concluded her speech by urging students who attended the exhibition to think of how they could contribute to peace in practical ways, and become enablers to a better world. In her words, “The kind of society that we need, the kind of society that we desire, and aspire to, has to be made up of the individuals we wish to be.”

Further, the exhibition was made more lively by the presence of the young students who shared their inputs on how to create a peaceful world. They shared how change should start with oneself, and the need to foster a culture of tolerance, respect and sharing through dialogue and mediation. Some of them shared how they were inspired by the examples of leaders on the world stage who were fighting for peace. “If they can do it, then I can do it too” was what students took back with them.

Parents attended the second day of the exhibition and were very appreciative that it was being held in school. Some of them even talked about how their children had told them about the exhibition the previous day. They expressed the desire to have more such exhibitions, as well as classes for their children on action points to take forward. The parents seemed very impressed with the panels on ‘Religion and Peace’ as well as ‘Shared Visions for Peace’. They took many pictures of the panels with the intent to share it with others. The parents also touched upon their responsibility in shaping their children’s outlook and behavior and in promoting the values of peace, respect and harmony. The exhibition also sparked an interest in Soka Gakkai International, and many also inquired about the philosophy.

The exhibition proved to be a starting point in getting individuals of the community to think about the concept of peace in a very practical and non-abstract way. Students as well as parents and teachers left the exhibition with a renewed wanting to be active contributors to building a culture of peace, which is what the exhibition sought to do.

The exhibition ‘Seeds of Hope – Visions of Sustainability, steps toward change’ was inaugurated in Bhopal, at Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology on October 12, 2014.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Anthony de Sa, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, in his address appreciated the efforts of Bharat Soka Gakkai which is working for peace through culture and education. He drew the attention of the audience to the title of the exhibition which he said “says it all”. Explaining further he said that we all must have two visions for sustainability; first having the community vision which is working collectively towards sustainable development and second to have an individual vision. Citing the fable of the ‘Goose that lay golden eggs’ he related it to the concept of sustainability where he mentioned that when we overdraw on our resources, we are treading a dangerous path. Mr. De Sa believed that “The power of one will empower many”.

Dr. R. N. Saxena, MD State Forest Development Corporation, the guest of honour, highlighted that sustainability should be brought in the legal framework of the country. He emphasised that all resources of mother earth do not belong to a particular generation, rather we are the custodians for the future generations.

Speaking to the audience, Prof. Pramod K Verma, Director General, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, emphasised the need to redefine sustainability as part of our daily life. He affirmed his full cooperation towards such initiatives.

Earlier during the inauguration Mrs Jyoti Lal from BSG welcomed the gathering. Citing the example of the Nobel laureates, Mr. Kailash Satyarthi and Ms. Malala Yousafzai, she stressed that the power of one is the power of hope and how a single individual can show the power of change.

Mr. Ram Naresh Yadav, Honourable Governor of Madhya Pradesh, who could not be present due to important engagements, sent a message for this great cause in which he applauded the efforts of Soka Gakkai International and urged every individual to bring a positive change from within so that we can improve not only our present but also leave a better future for our coming generations.

The activities of the inauguration included welcoming of dignitaries with plant saplings by children, signifying the pledge to work towards leaving a better world for generations to come. This was followed by a dance performance depicting the joy of nature and a skit on the theme of the exhibition. The audience were captivated by the screening of the award winning film ‘The Quiet Revolution’ which resonated with the message of “the power of one”.

The chief guest and guest of honour were presented with a copy of the book, ‘A Forum for Peace’ which is a collection of excerpts from the most topical and important peace proposals of SGI President Dr Daisaku Ikeda.

The inauguration ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Kiran Mishra from BSG Bhopal.

Well known personalities from the institutions of national repute were present at the inaugural function which included, Director, MANIT (Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology), Director Indian Institute of Forest Management, Director General M.P. Police, and scientists from the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology and other distinguished personalities from various fields. Approximately, 700 people saw the exhibition on the day of inauguration.

This exhibition was launched for the public at Regional Science Center, Shyamla Hills, today 13th October, 2014 at 10 am and will be displayed here for the entire next week from 13th – 19th October 2014 for public viewing.

The S.F. Gogolev Yakutsk Teacher-training College (YTTC) in the Sakha Republic, Russia, presented Daisaku Ikeda, SGI president, with an honorary professorship for his longstanding contributions to the cause of lasting world peace. The conferral took place on September 16, 2014, on the college campus in Yakutsk, coinciding with the college’s centennial celebrations. YTTC Director Klavdia Kopilova entrusted the certificate and a commemorative badge to SGI General Director Yoshitaka Oba, who accepted them on Mr. Ikeda’s behalf. In attendance were faculty members and students as well as SGI representatives from Japan headed by Mr. Oba.

Founded as an institute for training secondary school teachers in 1914, in 2010 YTTC combined with another college and now has six faculties, including preschool education, elementary education, music education and physical education, with two campuses in Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic in eastern Siberia. The former YTTC had also honored Mr. Ikeda prior to the merger, in 2009. YTTC was recently selected as one of “100 Colleges of Excellence” by the Russian Federation.

The college is named after S.F. Gogolev (1896-1933), a famous political figure, who was a YTTC graduate, as was Platon Oyunsky (1893-1939), writer, translator and one of the founders of modern Yakut literature.

Since learning about Mr. Ikeda over 10 years ago, Director Kopilova has continued to read his published works and says she respects him for his active pacifism and concurs with his belief in people and their quintessential value.

In a message, Mr. Ikeda expressed his appreciation for receiving the academic honor on the occasion of the college’s centennial. He lauded the pedagogy of V.P. Vasilevsky, who was the college’s first director 100 years ago and authored its three mottos: teachers should nurture hearts; teachers should help students cultivate their potential; and teachers should make every effort to correctly guide students as they passionately pursue their aspirations. Based on these mottos, Mr. Ikeda proposed three guidelines for the college toward cultivating humanistic education in the next 100 years: Be the sun that inspires, trusting in and shining a light upon people’s potential; be a great tree of indomitable intellect that remains undaunted amidst any storm; and be a mighty river of peace and harmonious coexistence that connects the hearts of humanity.

The S.N. Sinha Institute of Business Management in Ranchi, Jharkhand, in collaboration with Soka Gakkai International, organised a one-week course from 2 September on ‘International Youth Leadership and Global Peace’. The course was based on the teachings of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda.

Mr. Mannan Mallik, Jharkhand’s minister for animal husbandry, fisheries and disaster management, inaugurated the course. He said, “Buddhism has always been linked to peace, and education will play an important role in building peace and harmony in the world.”

Mr. N.P. Singh, chairman of the institute, appreciated the efforts of President Ikeda in promoting peace, culture and education. The S.N. Sinha Institute conferred an honorary professorship on President Ikeda in March this year and established a chair in his name.

The participants watched a film on President Ikeda with keen interest.

Dr. Akash Ouchi, BSG honorary deputy chairperson and SGI representative in South Asia, gave a keynote speech on global youth leadership. He said:

The expressions must and have to no longer motivate people. No one will act unless they are truly convinced in their hearts. When a person is truly moved he may display his great potential, showing tremendous power and ability. For this reason, fruitful conferences and discussions are becoming more important.

Small-scale discussion or dialogue is important where you can talk directly. face to face, close enough to sense each other’s warmth; discussions which are not unilateral but convincing. Discussions carried out in this way can relieve worn hearts, open closed minds and change bewilderment and despair into conviction and hope.

In one-on-one discussions, ask yourself: “What are they worried about? What are they trying to say? What are they thinking? What is it they seek?” Try to discern these things in others, try to understand. These are the challenges of leadership. From such compassion arises wisdom.

Of course the work needs to be done. However, there is a huge difference between when someone is ordered to work and when someone is motivated to work, even for somenone who may have reached a position of senior leadership. It is very important for each member of the team to be motivated to work together.

Leaders should make a constant effort to study hard and maintain freshness. The organisation will advance and be filled with dynamism. The organisation will change and develop only to the extent leaders change and develop themselves . . . .

Leaders in particular tend to become arrogant just because they have positions in organisation and think they know everything. This is a common tendency. They put on airs and regard others as being below them.

Authoritarianism alienates people. Sincerity captures people’s hearts. A person of sincerity creates a relaxed and spring-like atmosphere. Because of your sincerity, people will respond with sincerity.

Genuine leaders protect people when they are hired, and nurture them by providing appreciation for their development. . . .

Ultimately, everything depends on whether there is someone willing to take 100 percent responsibility. Someone who takes action for the sake of people and is concerned for the people is a true leader, so working selflessly with dedication will set an example for leadership.

Later, on hearing a report on the event, President Ikeda said: “Please convey my best regards to the organisers and others involved in the event.”