The SGI South Asia Youth General Meeting, held at the SGM Culture Centre on 24 February, was participated by some 1,000 youth division members from India, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The event was graced by Soka Gakkai president Minoru Harada, senior vice-president Yoshiki Tanigawa, youth division leader Mitsuo Nishikata and several other esteemed guests.
In the spirit of “I am Shin’ichi Yamamoto,” everyone present was determined to open a new era of kosen-rufu across Asia.
The meeting started off with a video featuring activities conducted in the four South Asian countries, followed by an inspiring lineup of culture performances.
Members from Kansai sent a video conveying their heartfelt congratulations on the holding of the SGI South Asia Youth General Meeting. They also revealed their plan for a great shakubuku movement and expressed their commitment to advance alongside members in South Asia despite geographical distances.
In his welcome remarks, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai underscored President Ikeda’s belief in the great power and potential of the youth. He also highlighted President Ikeda’s greatest wish to see young people emerge as the beacon of hope for the 21st century.
At the meeting, SGM future division leader Tan Zhi Ying shared his experience of overcoming his career challenges while actively participating in SGM activities and introducing Nichiren Buddhism to others. Meanwhile, Shruti Nangia from Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) in India explained BSG’s efforts in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also shared her personal determination to actualise President Ikeda’s vision of creating a new age in India and a new global civilisation by 2030 through their “BSG for SDG” initiative.
Meanwhile, Mr Nishikata urged the youth to take the lead in sounding the bells of dawn to realise lasting global peace, as the Soka Gakkai advance towards its centennial in 2030. Mr Tanigawa encouraged all present to courageously embrace challenges, highlighting that Buddhism is a win-or-lose struggle and victory is attained through such challenges.
Meanwhile, President Harada stated that President Ikeda had announced the vision of the second Seven Bells after visiting Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong in 2000. He had a clear vision of laying the foundations for peace in Asia and throughout the world by 2050. President Harada added that all young disciples of President Ikeda have been entrusted with the mission to ring in the second Seven Bells, and encouraged the youth to spearhead the way for global peace in the spirit of “many in body, one in mind.”
Looking ahead to the Kosen-rufu Day on 16 March, SGM young men’s division leader Chang Chung Bin and young women’s division leader Lee Kam Yit urged all youth division members to wholeheartedly devote themselves to sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others and strivinge for victory in their lives.
