In celebration of the historic anniversary of President Ikeda’s joining the Soka Gakkai 71 years ago, the fourth peace symposium of this year based on President Ikeda’s 2018 peace proposal titled “Towards an Era of Human Rights: Building a People’s Movement”, was held at Mumbai on 24th August 2018.
The symposium was held in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) at their Convention Center and was attended by over 600 members and guests.
The main points of the proposal were discussed by eminent speakers, Mr. Rishabh Shah, Founder & President, Indian International Model United Nations, Ms. Aarti Wig, Co-founder and Country Director at Yunus Social Business India and Smt. Justice Roshan Dalvi, Retired Judge, Bombay High Court. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Ishaat Hussain, Former Executive Director, Tata Sons
The first speaker was Mr. Rishabh Shah, the young dynamic Founder of Indian International Model United Nations. Rishabh said “If you give a man a fish, he will have food for a day. If you teach him how to fish, he will have food every day. This proposal teaches you how to ‘fish’. He further said, “It is not the fact that you reached the top of the mountain that matters, but how you reach the top that matters. In my opinion, the peace proposal 2018 shows not just a way to achieve world peace, but also to maintain it.”
The next speaker, Ms. Aarti Wig, a young leader who works to support social business creation in India spoke passionately about her journey of moving from a rewarding corporate career to working for a social cause. She said, “It is significant that we are discussing the proposal today which is the anniversary of Daisaku Ikeda’s joining the Soka Gakkai”. She concluded her thought-provoking speech by saying, “President Ikeda’s Peace Proposal is a beautiful example of a sort of Social Fiction that the world needs which offers practical examples to our biggest problems and putting spirituality where it belongs – at the center of our lives”
Speaking next, Justice Roshan Dalvi spoke passionately about her legal profession and emphasis on empathy in justice calling it “Sentipathy”. She narrated series of cases that she had handled highlighting variety of issues like child abuse etc. In course of her narrative, Justice Dalvi illustrated how the law of the land cannot account for the unique circumstances of each individual case. By doing so she stressed the importance of humanity in interpreting the law. “It is the little things that go a long way” she said in conclusion.
Mr. Ishaat Hussain started his key note address by saying that the timing of the proposal couldn’t have been more opportune considering how played out the existing paradigm looks and how fragile the political, economic, social and environmental situation appears today. He said, “The proposal argues firstly for a new era of humanity based on human rights for all. I underline ‘All’, and, secondly to achieve it through a peaceful and inclusivist movement” He concluded his speech by quoting from the peace proposal, “Every person who takes action for the sake of others while carrying the burden of personal hardship manifests their original essence and mission to illuminate society with the light of dignity”. He strongly applauded President Ikeda for submitting this proposal.
Dr Shalini Bharat, acting director of TISS, thanked BSG for bringing the symposium to their institute and praised the speakers for their inspiring words. She said, “I am so glad the BSG symposium is being held here. The theme of the symposium resonates with the mission of TISS.”
The symposium concluded with presentation of mementos to the speakers. The welcome address was given by BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta and vote of thanks by WD Chief Ms. Rashi Ahuja.
The symposium had a huge turn out with over 150 guests and media in attendance. One of the guests remarked, “The annual peace symposium is a milestone that we look forward to each year” and thanked BSG for the invitation to join in a wonderful symposium.
The symposium was widely covered by both national and local media (some media clips are attached).
The symposium had a huge turn out with over 150 guests and media in attendance. One of the guests remarked, “The annual peace symposium is a milestone that we look forward to each year” and thanked BSG for the invitation to join in a wonderful symposium.