The symposium was held in Gandhi Bhavan and was attended by around 85 members and guests.
To discuss the peace proposal, the eminent speakers at the symposium were Dr. T.P. Sreenivasan, Former Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Washington, United States of America, Prof. N. Radhakrishnan, Founder, Ikeda Center of Value Creation, Thiruvananthapuram, Advocate V. S. Hareendranath, Former Member of Public Service Commission, Prof. N. Gopalakrishnan Nair, Former Principal NSS College, Chertalai, & Chairman Kerala Harijan Sevak Sangh and Mr. N. Bhaskaran Nair, Chairman, Theosophical Society of India
In his inaugural address, Dr. T.P. Sreenivasan started by mentioning that it was on an official visit to Japan in 1969, that he met President Ikeda for the first time. He spoke highly of SGI and BSG and significant contributions made by the organization in all these years. He further added, “This year marks the 35th year since Soka Gakkai International began its activities in support of United Nations. Many NGOs are now promoting the ideals the UN advocates and SGI is one such. “A strong proponent of world peace, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, has tirelessly worked for over 60 years to spread the universal message of peaceful coexistence. This Peace Proposal examines ways and means to bridge different cultures and nationalities so as to actualize a better world where no one is left behind.”
In his presidential address, Prof. N. Radhakrishnan, noted Gandhian and Founder, Ikeda Centre of Value Creation, Thiruvananthapuram, said, “Through the Peace Proposals, President Ikeda has, with considerable success, been influencing many of the UN’s decisions. Each Peace Proposal submitted to the world body and world leaders has well-articulated suggestions and appeals for sustainable peace and human transformation.”
The speeches were followed by brief reflections from Advocate V.S. Hareendranath, Prof N. Gopalakrishnan Nair and Mr. N. Bhaskaran Nair. The theme presentation on the Peace Proposal was made by BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta and Hony. Deputy Chairperson Dr. Akash Ouchi.
The symposium concluded with presentation of photo albums (pictures taken by Dr Ikeda) to the speakers and a vote of thanks by Ms. Rashi Ahuja.
The members of Thiruvananthapuram and many others who traveled from Cochin and nearby cities worked earnestly to make the symposium a great success.
The symposium was widely covered by both national and local media. A few media clips are attached.