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Indo-Japan
Symposium: A New Humanism for World Peace
On
February 6, 2011, an Indo Japan symposium (sponsored by the Institute
of Oriental Philosophy, International Academy of Indian Culture and
the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts) was held at Soka Bodhi
Tree Garden located on the outskirt of New Delhi. It was held to
commemorate the 50th anniversary since SGI President Ikeda conceived
the idea of the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) during his visit
to Buddha Gaya, India. The theme of the symposium was “A New Humanism
for World Peace.” It served as a reflection of SGI President Ikeda’s
address, “A New Humanism for the Coming Century,” which he delivered
when he was invited to the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary
Studies in October, 1997.
After the message from SGI President Ikeda was shared, Chinmaya R.
Gharekhan, president of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
gave a speech. He said, “if you want peace, if you want to attain
nirvana, salvation, look no further, look within yourself. This is also
the message of Dr. Ikeda.” He stressed that the biggest message he
received from SGI President Ikeda was compassion for humanity and to
serve the people.
Leaf of Bodhi at Bodhi Tree Garden |
Lotus Pond at Bodhi Tree
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In his speech, Prof. Lokesh Chandra, director of International Academy
of Indian Culture touched on President Ikeda’s visit to India in 1979.
Dr. Manimala, director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti emphasized
the significance of Gandhian concept of Ahimsa, ‘practice peace through
non-violence.”
Dr. Gopa Sabharwal, vice chancellor of Nalanda University introduced
the revival plan of Nalanda University.
At the symposium, there were also other eminent participants, such as
Shri V. B. Pyarelal, joint secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre
for the Arts, Mushirul Hasan, director general of National Archives of
India and Dr. Farukh Amil, Ambassador of Tunisia.
Message of SGI President Ikeda
Speech of IOP Director Yoichi Kawada
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