Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Thursday conferred Honorary Professorship on founder of Soka University, Japan and one of the leading interpreters of Budhism, DrDaisaku Ikeda in recognition to his outstanding contribution in the field of green revolution, global peace and new global humanism.
Dr Ikeda could not come personally to receive the Honorary Professorship due to his advanced age is 94 years and the citation was received jointly by former president of Soka University, Dr Yoshihisa Baba, , SGI Director, DrAkashOuchi and Chairperson, Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSK), Vinesh Gupta. BAU Vice Chancellor, DrOnkarNath Singh, Registrar, DrSailesh Chattopadhyay and Dean Agriculture, DrSandip Kumar Pal handed over the citation to the Japanese delegation.
Other members of the 11-member Japanese delegation included BSG Director General Indranath Chaudhary, Head of External Relations NS Anand, Women Division Chief Rashi Ahuja, Yoshihiro Ozaki, Rajiv Takahashi, Satoko Ono, RenichiroNakgawa, Takaaki Kobayashi.
DrIKeda, in his award acceptance speech presented by Dr Yoshihisa Baba, former president of Soka University, said happiness of a nation depends on farmers’ peace and prosperity and it was very satisfying to note that challenges faced by the farming community were well taken care of by BAU. DrOnkarNath Singh, Vice Chancellor, BAU said Dr Ikeda has repeatedly warned about the dangers of taking agriculture lightly and has advocated for taking it very seriously taking into consideration all aspects of the future of humankind, culture, tradition, respect for life and environment protection.
BAU Dean Agriculture Dr SK Pal welcomed the guests, Dean Forestry Dr MS Malik made a presentation entitled ‘BAU at a glance’ and Dean PG Dr MK Gupta proposed a vote of thanks. Registrar Dr S Chattopadhyay coordinated the event and Shashi Singh anchored.
BAU and Soka University had signed a MoU about a month ago for mutual cooperation in the field of teaching, research, publication and other academic activities. As per the MoU inked for next five years, both the universities can exchange faculty, staff, will jointly conduct research and consultancy, share information and publications and participate in other activities aimed at development of both the institutions of higher learning. The agreement will not create additional financial burden on the institutions. On Wednesday evening, officials of both the institutions discussed their activities, achievements and infrastructure in the Board Room for further strengthening mutual collaboration.
Dr Ikeda founded an entire school system based on Soka or ‘value creation’ educational pedagogy. The Soka schools, composed of kindergartens, elementary, junior and senior high schools, and universities, have now flourished to seven countries worldwide including Japan, Brazil, Hong Kong, Korea, Malyasia, Singapore, and the United States.
A prolific writer, Dr Ikeda has authored over 250 works which range from discourses on Buddhism to children’s books, poetry and essays. In recognition of his contributions as peace builder and educator, Ikeda has been awarded around 400 academic honours from universities in more than 50 countries and territories.