January 29, 2016
SGI President Honored by José Martí Cultural Society; Sends Message to International Conference
The José Martí Cultural Society presented Daisaku Ikeda with the Utility of Virtue Award, its highest honor, on January 29, 2016. The SGI leader was recognized for his dedicated efforts to advancing world peace and for promoting understanding of the fundamental principles that guide Cuban society. SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda accepted the award on his father’s behalf from Society President Armando Hart Dávalos.
The significance of the award can be gleaned from a line from Ismaelillo, a collection of poetry Martí dedicated to his son in 1882: “I have faith in the betterment of humanity, in a future life, in the usefulness of virtue, and in you.”1
The José Martí Cultural Society was established in October 1995 to enhance and widely disseminate the philosophical ideals and legacy of its namesake, Cuban hero José Marti. The Society also undertakes research on the historic struggles of the Cuban nation and brings together men and women from diverse professions and sectors of Cuban society to implement various initiatives and projects that promote Cuban culture.
In June 1996 Ikeda had traveled to Cuba and met with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, as well as a number of cultural and academic figures in the country. [See Cultural Exchanges for Peace: Cuba]
Society President Armando Hart Dávalos (seated in front) entrusts award to SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda (holding frame)
From January 25 to 28, an international conference titled “With All and for the Good of All” was held at the International Conference Center in Havana, Cuba, marking the 163rd anniversary of the birth of Cuba’s national hero José Martí. The event brought together some 750 scholars and other leading figures from 51 countries to explore the relevance of Martí’s ideals to building a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. In a message of solidarity sent at the organizers’ invitation and read by his son, SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda, Mr. Ikeda called for human dignity to serve as the measure of civilization. Drawing on Martí’s ideals, Mr. Ikeda stressed the importance of bringing forth the boundless wisdom and strength inherent in every person, especially in times of turmoil.
[Adapted from an article in the February 2, 2016, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
