Of the 12 million global practitioners of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), close to 300,000 are based in 600 cities across India, affiliated with the Indian arm, Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG). They apply the Buddhist tenets of wisdom, courage, and compassion to their daily lives, encouraging and empowering others to do the same. SGI follows Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, a life philosophy that serves as a way of life. ‘Soka Gakkai’ in Japanese translates to ‘Value-Creation Society’.
Ashish Virmani, journalist and member of BSG, interviewed its Chairperson, Vishesh Gupta, on what has contributed to BSG’s growth in the last decade; how ordinary people in our time can become extraordinary as SGI claims; how BSG is affiliated to, yet independent of, its parent organization, SGI; and the way forward after the passing away of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda in 2023.
Excerpts from the exclusive interview:
BSG & SGI
Ashish Virmani: Bharat Soka Gakkai was founded in 1986. On the threshold of its 40th year of existence in India, what is BSG’s raison d’être?
Vishesh Gupta: BSG exists to empower individuals to awaken to their boundless potential and transform their lives from within. Our core mission is to establish a culture of peace, rooted in the principle of human dignity. The principles of the Buddhist ideology which we follow and guided by the life and vision of our eternal mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, BSG strives tocontribute to individual happiness and social harmony by promoting inner transformation, dialogue, and compassionate action.
In a world fractured by conflict and division, our raison d’être is clear: to inspire hope, courage, and the will to contribute to the greater good, one person at a time, one community at a time.
With SGI as its parent organization in Japan, how autonomous is the BSG?
Vishesh Gupta: BSG is fully aligned with SGI’s global vision, but it is also an autonomous organization that adapts its activities to the unique social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of India. Our operations, educational programs, and social engagement initiatives are conceptualized and implemented locally. Strategic decisions, member support systems, and cultural initiatives are tailored to India’s diversity, while remaining in harmony with SGI’s global direction.
On matters of doctrine, guidance, and spiritual vision, we remain rooted in the Soka life philosophy of humanism and the leadership legacy of Daisaku Ikeda, in close spirit-unity with SGI. It is this harmonious blend of local autonomy and global unity that makes BSG a dynamic and relevant force in Indian society.
You have been associated with BSG for three decades in various capacities. What challenges has BSG faced as a spiritual organization in India over the last two decades, and how have you overcome them?
Vishesh Gupta: Over the years, BSG has encountered certain challenges that naturally arise when introducing a value-based spiritual movement into a diverse and culturally rich society like India. These include general misconceptions about Buddhist ideology, questions about its place in the Indian spiritual landscape, and a broader societal tendency to overlook the quiet power of inner transformation as a driver of change.
Rather than relying on explanations or persuasion, we let the lives of our members speak for themselves. The most powerful expression of our philosophy is the actual proof of individuals who have transformed adversity into strength, become pillars of their communities, and lived with deep wisdom, courage, and compassion.
Over time, this consistent demonstration of inner transformation, which we call ‘human revolution’, has led to growing recognition of BSG as a sincere, empowering, and value-creating movement that contributes meaningfully to both individual lives and society at large.
Moreover, BSG members have consistently stepped forward as proactive agents of change through ‘Sustainable Human Behaviour’ We have actively engaged with society, from plastic collection and beach cleanup drives to tree plantation campaigns, and from supporting underprivileged and underserved communities to contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), among other initiatives. These actions are not peripheral, but integral to our Buddhist practice, which teaches that transforming oneself and contributing to the welfare of others are inseparable.
Daring to be Extraordinary
A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.
~ Daisaku Ikeda
The 3rd President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) founded several international institutions promoting peace, culture, and education.
The principle of ‘human revolution’ is a central tenet of the Buddhism of the Soka Gakkai. But what does it mean? Can ordinary people really do it?
Vishesh Gupta: The human revolution refers to a profound inner transformation of character — a shift from self-doubt to self-belief, from apathy to purpose, and from isolation to contribution. It is not about acquiring external power or status, but about awakening the courage, compassion, and wisdom that lie dormant within each of us. Anyone can do it.
Nichiren Daishonin envisioned a Buddhism practiced by ordinary people as a way of life. Our philosophy, developed and actualized by successive Soka mentors — Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda, and Daisaku Ikeda — is centered on the concept of ‘human revolution’ and the dignity of life. This is a modern application of Nichiren’s teachings, which is deeply original in its translation of Buddhist wisdom into everyday life.
As my mentor, Dr Daisaku Ikeda, writes, “A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” Our focus is on enabling each person to become the protagonist of their happiness and make meaningful contributions to society. This life philosophy empowers people to challenge their limitations, take responsibility for their circumstances, and work for the happiness of both self and others. This is how an ordinary person can become extraordinary.
Daisaku Ikeda, President of the SGI, revered by millions, passed away in 2023 after serving as the head of the worldwide organization for over 60 years. How do you see his death affecting the influence of the organization and the propagation of Nichiren Buddhism in the future?
Vishesh Gupta: President Ikeda’s passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on vibrantly in the hearts, minds, and actions of millions worldwide. He has left us not only a vast body of writings, but also a living network of empowered individuals — disciples who are committed to advancing his vision of a peaceful and compassionate world.
Far from diminishing, his influence has deepened. Across BSG and SGI, we are seeing a powerful resurgence of commitment, unity, and a sense of mission among members. The Soka philosophy of humanism espoused by President Ikeda – which affirms the limitless potential of every individual – continues to inspire many people, through the everyday actions and heartfelt dialogues of those carrying forward his vision.
Walking the Talk
The most valuable lesson I have learnt is that true leadership is service. It means to care, to listen deeply, to never give up on even a single person.
~ Vishesh Gupta
Having earned an MBA from the University of Delhi and invested 26 years in the corporate world, how much of your worldview has been altered or expanded by helming a lay Buddhist organization for the last 11 years?
Vishesh Gupta: The corporate world taught me efficiency, discipline, and goal-setting. But BSG has taught me something deeper — the power of empathy, faith, and perseverance. In the corporate world, success is often measured externally. At BSG, we measure our success by the inner victory of each person and by the number of lives we can positively impact. Leading this organization has expanded my worldview — from competition to cooperation, from profit to purpose. It has reaffirmed my belief that people, when trusted and inspired, are capable of incredible transformation.
You have been at the helm of the Bharat Soka Gakkai for the last 11 years. What are some valuable lessons you have learned on the job, and what principles do you live by?
Vishesh Gupta: The most valuable lesson is that true leadership is service. It means to care, to listen deeply, to never give up on even a single person. I have learned that transformation begins with oneself — when I change, everything around me changes as well.
I’ve also come to see that obstacles are not roadblocks, but opportunities to deepen one’s resolve and creativity. And most importantly, I’ve learned that hope is a decision — and sharing hope with others is the greatest joy of leadership.
The three principles I try to live by are:
- Faith in People — Believing in the limitless potential of every human being, even when they can’t yet see it themselves.
- Never Give Up — Life’s trials are not the end. They are the raw material for growth and victory.
- Advance with Purpose — Each day, ask: “What can I do to make a difference in someone’s life today?’ That question alone can change the world.
Bharat Soka Gakkai is headquartered in New Delhi. For more information: https://www.bharatsokagakkai.org
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