Guwahati: The long shadow of COVID-19 that has engulfed the world shows that global cooperation and solidarity are no longer a matter of choice but of survival, panellists at a peace symposium webinar organized by Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG), said on Wednesday.
This webinar also marks the launch of BSG’s new symposium series ‘Dialogue in Action: Empowering Humanity.’
The panelists at the webinar, which was based on Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President Daisaku Ikeda’s 39th Peace Proposal titled “Value Creation in a Time of Crisis,” highlighted that the core philosophy of respect for each person and for the environment has become an absolute necessity.
Every year since 1983, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has authored a peace proposal offering possible solutions to global issues. He has done this as a steadfast supporter of the ideals and potential of the United Nations. BSG has organized peace symposia every year, based on these Proposals, with the aim of making Ikeda’s vision a reality.
“Our shared efforts to respond to the pandemic can serve as a foundation for generating global awareness of the essential role of human solidarity in transforming the crisis,” says Ikeda in the 2021 proposal. Panelists at the webinar concurred that the current crisis can only be resolved through a new era of cooperation.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, said, “The concept, ‘Leave no one behind is most relevant in these pandemic times. We need to address the social inequities that the pandemic highlighted — in the healthcare sections, with the migrants and in the education sector where many were left behind. The important message is to emphasize that each life matters”
Dr. Guleria has been at the forefront of India’s fight against the COVID-19 crisis.
Reaffirming the role of education in value creation, Ms Shaheen Mistri, Founder and CEO, Teach for India, said “There has never been a time in history when we have needed to operate as much with love as we do today and my belief is that our schools can play a huge role in building not just learners, but a humane society.”
Drawing inspiration from the Peace Proposal, Ms Hasina Kharbhih, Founder and Chairperson of the Impulse NGO Network said, “We must be fearless and faithful around the change we want to see, especially during the time of crisis.”
Mr. Sujay Santra, Founder and CEO of, iKureTechsoft said “The pandemic has been the time to build resilience in the public healthcare system”. He shared the importance of creating a shared infrastructure, where people can access healthcare with hope and newer possibilities.
BSG Chairperson, Mr. Vishesh Gupta shared that, “I am confident that the doors to a hope-filled future will be thrown wide open the moment we decide to cherish the spirit of compassion to treasure each life and to be alongside those who are vulnerable and most in need of support. As the common saying goes: ‘When we light a lantern for others, our own way forward is lit.’.”
Ms. Rashi Ahuja, Director and Head of External Relations, BSG, expressed her gratitude to the audience for participating in the webinar and called for a commitment to cultivating a society that is guided by the principle of respect for dignity of life.
