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Dr. Radhakrishnan delivered a lecture on Resilient and Sustainable Societies
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 On
June 18, 2015, Dr. N. Radhakrishnan presented a lecture titled,
“Building Resilient and Sustainable Societies: Lessons from Gandhi and
Dr. Ikeda” in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture.
Prior to the lecture, Dr. Radhakrishnan and his wife visited Ishinomaki
city in Miyagi prefecture, an area severely damaged by the Great East
Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. One of the local volunteers
explained how high and far inland the tsunami reached at that time. Dr.
Radhakrishnan also met Mr. Ken’ichi Kurosawa, who made a well-known
signboard that reads “Let’s keep going, Ishinomaki!” to encourage local
people affected by the disaster. Dr. Radhakrishnan commented that he
was inspired by Mr. Kurosawa’s unlimited power and courage.” He also
conveyed words of encouragement to those who are still engaged in
recovery work.
In his lecture, he said, “My wife and I went to Ishinomaki. The area
had been devastated by the tsunami that hit there four years earlier.
What we saw there brought tears to our eyes. It was heart-wrenching and
would have been very difficult for anyone not to weep upon seeing what
we witnessed there, even after four years of reconstruction. ‘Gambaro!
Ishinomaki.’ I learned from this expression how the local people faced
their problems with courage, and how they stood up and fought for
justice. I was reminded that we humans can face any problems we may
encounter with courage, conviction, and the inner fortitude that
resides in each of us.”
 He
also elaborated on the thoughts and actions of Mahatma Gandhi and SGI
President Ikeda and said that the way they interpreted social change
and individual capacities have very interesting similarities. He
remarked, “Gandhi and SGI President Ikeda have stressed the value of
harmony in human survival. Harmony is needed within individuals as well
as for peace in society. Ultimately, it acts like a beacon for world
peace.” He also emphasized the importance of educating, trusting and
empowering women so that we can create a world without war and hatred
but with harmony, tolerance, and respect.
Lastly, Dr. Rahdakrishnan said that human beings control and consume
nature, but that we must also learn to give back and live in harmony
with nature. Rather than being mere consumers, he said, we need to
become producers. He stressed that this holistic approach, which Dr.
Ikeda proposed, will contribute to sustainable development and peace.
Profile:
Dr. Radhakrishnan is one of the most eloquent and expressive Gandhian
Scholars in India. He has been very active as a non-violence advocate,
philosopher, writer and artist. He served as Director at the Gandhi
Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Vice-President at the Delhi
School of Nonviolence, Chairman of the Gandhi Media Centre, and
President at the Centre for National Integration and Communal Harmony
as well as General Secretary at the Asian Forum for Peace Research and
Action. He is devoted to the propagation of Gandhian ideals for peace
and international understanding.
Among many others, his publications include; Daisaku Ikeda: In pursuit
of a new humanity (1993), Gandhi, King and Ikeda (2002), The Living
Dialogue: Socrates to Ikeda (2006), Toward a Humane Century: Gandhi and
Indian Philosophy (2009).
To date, Dr. Radhakrishnan has been involved in various IOP activities
that started with an India-Japan joint symposium cosponsored by the
National Committee of Dr. Ramachandran’s Centennial Anniversary held in
September 2015. In April 2012, he gave a lecture entitled, “Nonviolence
of Gandhi and Human Revolution of Ikeda: Their relevance to world
peace.”
Organizer: The Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP)
Lecturer: Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, Chairman at The Indian Council of Gandhian Studies
Venue: Sendai City Welfare Plaza
Date: June 18, 2015
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