Soka Ikeda College of Arts & Science for Women
Dr. Sethu Kumanan
Chairman

Soka Ikeda College of Arts & Science for Women
Dr. Sethu Kumanan
Chairman

Congratulations to Soka University for successfully completing 50 years, fostering Global Peace, Human Values and creating individuals with capability and compassion.

I look back with great affinity my connection with Soka University, which is building me for more than two decades. My deep source of inspiration was a poetry written by my Mentor, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. I believe that poetry lifts the soul higher and reveals the hidden beauty of the world. The poetry in the form of lullaby calms the child and makes it happy. When the child grows up and enters kindergarten, it is through the songs that the child learns the things in its life. As adults, when people are stressed out in life, poetry makes them forget their worries and rejuvenates their souls with happiness and joy. Sensei's poetry has given happiness and strength to all, irrespective of any difference.

I fondly remember my association with Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, through a poetry written by him. It was 'Mother Poem', poetry on the nobility of motherhood, which brought me closer to Dr.Ikeda. I thankfully remember the poem written by Dr.Daisaku Ikeda which was printed on the cover page of a magazine. Dr. Krishna Srinivas explained to me the poem and through that poem my association with Soka University started. Also, I remember with great gratitude, the Highest Honour Award presented to me at Soka University. Though I had done two degrees at college, I was not fortunate enough to wear the convocation robe, but when I received the Award, I could wear the robe and since then I am wearing it for the past 21 years with pride. When I visited the library of Soka Women's College, I was overwhelmed by the smell of the books which still lingers in my mind. When I ca me out from Soka Women's College, a colourful rainbow welcomed me. That moment I made a strong decision to start a Women's College in Chennai. I owe all my success to Dr.Daisaku Ikeda and Soka University.

I started a college in Chennai, India, for women, where rural women are empowered. The motivation was my Mentor, Dr. Ikeda. We have Academic Exchange Programme with Soka University through which our students have wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Monumental Soka University. We also have cultural Exchange Programme. We also offer Awards to the outstanding people at Soka Women's College and Soka University.

I feel obliged to thank many people who have lifted me to such success. Justice Mohan, the Supreme Court Judge who was with me in my beginnings; Dr. N. Radha Krishnan of Indian Council of Gandhian Studies and Dr.Akash K. Ouchi, Director, Soka Gakkai International, New Delhi have been my ardent supporters. I am deeply touched by the love and concern shown by Mr. Hirofumi Koseki and Ms. Yumiko Tomioka during my visits to Japan.

Soka University has produced thousands of students who are in great positions all over the world. They are spreading the aura of the university and inspiring people. We are proud that alumni of Soka University are here with us helping us in all our endeavours. Mr.Rajiv. M.Takahashi, SGI Coordinator in India, Mrs. Kiyomi Tanaka, and Ms. Shizuka Furune the Japanese Professors are a great strength to us. Their contribution to the Soka Ikeda College and its students are boundless.

The great lines of the Tamil poem, Thirukural, remind me of my Sensei and his teachings which says:

"உள்ளுவ தெல்லாம் உயர்வுள்ளல் மற்றது தள்ளினுந் தள்ளாமை நீர்த்து"

which means- 'whatever we ponder, let your aim be loftly still, Fate cannot hinder always, thwart you as it will'. With the teachings of Dr.Ikeda, we are marching ahead with confidence and courage.

At this juncture, when our parent institution Soka University is celebrating the 50th year of its inception, we extend the heartiest wishes to the Founder, the President, the Chairman, the Professors, the Administrative staff and the students. We will continue this celebration he re in our college with joyful celebrations and festivities.