The Uzbek Ambassador laid flowers at the statue of Navoiy at our university

On Monday, February 9th, Ambassador Muksinkja Abdurrahmonov of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan and his delegation visited Soka University and attended a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 585th anniversary of the birth of Uzbek poet Alisher Navoiy (birthdate: February 9th, 1441), which is located in the front garden of the Ikeda Auditorium.

Alisher Navoiy (1441-1501) is considered the founder of Uzbek literature. He was not only active as a poet, scholar, musician, and calligrapher, but also as a politician, devoting himself to the citizens by mediating disputes within his territory and reducing taxes, and using his own money to carry out charitable work and protect the arts and sciences. He is still respected by many citizens of Central Asia today.

The installation of the Navoiy statue was proposed by former President Islam Abduganievich Karimov on March 26, 2004, in response to the founder, Daisaku Ikeda, who had introduced the lives and poetry of Navoi and other great Central Asian figures in speeches and other occasions. Members of the country's Supreme Soviet, the president of the Academy of Arts, and the statue's sculptor visited the university, along with the ambassador to Japan, carrying a message from the president, for the unveiling ceremony.

President Mika Suzuki said, "As the world leans toward conflict and division, the spirituality displayed by Navoiy continues to have a strong presence even today. We would like to further expand exchanges in education, culture, and peace, learning from his attitude and practices, as he wished for the happiness of people and engaged in the spiritual struggle throughout his life to achieve that, as well as the profound wisdom he left behind."

Next, a student from Uzbekistan studying at Soka University recited a poem by Navoiy. Finally, Ambassador Muksinkja said, "Uzbekistan and Japan share common values, such as respecting people and valuing knowledge and culture. The Navoiy statue is a symbol of the friendship between our two countries, embodying that spirit. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Soka University for warmly welcoming Uzbek students for so many years."

＜Words inscribed on the base of the Navoiy statue at Ikeda Auditorium＞
All people, do not hate one another, but be good friends to one another. Friendship is the way of man.