March forward and never,
never yield---The inspring lead of Dr Daisaku Ikeda to youth
One of the most significant and
perhaps amazing things about Soka Gakkai is the fact that it was born and grown in the crucible of challenges. From the
founding President Makiguchi and his disciple President Toda who was succeeded by Dr Daisaku Ikeda,
humanity witnessed an illustrious line of challengers who are value creators and fighters for change and justice.
The growth of Sokai Gakkai from
a few thousand Nichiren lay Buddhists mostly confined to Japan into a mighty
global peace, educational and cultural movement that has been influencing even
United Nations and working effectively in over 192 countries and territories
across the world reflects the vitality and acceptability of Soka Gakkai as a
principal promoter of humanistic values for a warless and just world.
In the long history of Human
Revolution initiated by the illustrious Presidents of Soka Gakkai, July 3 this
year acquires a special significance.
It was this day, 60 years ago,
that Ikeda sensei was imprisoned by imperial forces on flimsy and false charges
when he stood up to protect basis rights
of people. July 3(1945) is again significant in the history of peace movement
and human rights since it was this day the
second President Josei Toda was released from prison.The day,
thus signifies the resolute determination of the three illustrious presidents of the movement
to lay solid foundation of a new global movement, inspired by the teachings of
the Daishonin.
It is not surprising therefore
that the three presidents of Soka Gakkai remain steadfast fighters of human
rights and upholders of values for a new
socio-political order suffused with religious insights as core principle as
Mahatma Gandhi also strove for in his long struggle in South Africa and India.
The nonviolent protest movement
Gandhi initiated in South Africa later grew into a global surge reflecting the
inalienable right of people every where. The Human Revolution initiated by the
Soka Gakkai presidents who in turn continue to influence leaders of various
types across the world who now appreciate the role Soka Gakkai plays in several
fields such as education, culture, nature preservation, human rights, gender
equality, youth mobilization is a profound gift of the illustrious presidents
of soka Gakkai.
I have been highly impressed by
the remarkable way the Soka Gakkai encouraging the youth and women to emerge as
future leaders. Much more than a
strategy, this appears to be an article of faith and commitment to nurture
future leaders who will spread the brilliance of the Law, upholding the banner
of kosenrufu.
The training and exposure the
youth in Soka Gakkai receive at present and their involvement in society reflects the commitment of Soka Gakkai as responsible members of the
community ,capable of tackling the emerging local, national and global issues
of growing unrest and disturbing growth
of terror and violence.
As Dr Ikeda has been stressing
all the time, all these disturbing trends are growing because of the absence of
proper Dialogue. Effective dialogue will
transform any bitter poison into medicine . Inspired youth will bring about
this change.
July3, like May 3, in the
annals of global struggle for human rights and justice is a day of dedication, reflection,
chanting and resolute action for individual change. Denial of justice and opportunity are to be
fought tooth and nail.
Ikeda Sensei typifies the pithy assertion of the
great Indian religious reformer Swami Vivekananda who advised the youth:
“Arise, Awake and Stop not till the goal is reached”. The message from July 3
is loud and clear: never yield to injustice 
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