BAU vice-chancellor Onkar Nath Singh (centre) hands over the degree to the team from Soka University, Japan. BAU
Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Jharkhand, has conferred an honorary professorship on Daisaku Ikeda, a leading interpreter of Buddhism, president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and founder of Soka University, Japan, in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of green revolution, global peace and new global humanism.
The citation was received jointly by Yoshihisa Baba, former president of Soka University, Akash Ouchi, SGI director, and Vinesh Gupta, Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSK) chairperson, on behalf of Ikeda. BAU vice-chancellor Onkar Nath Singh, registrar Sailesh Chattopadhyay and dean of agriculture Sandip 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 N.S. Anand, women division chief Rashi Ahuja, Yoshihiro Ozaki, Rajiv Takahashi, Satoko Ono, Renichiro Nakagawa, Takaaki Kobayashi.
Ikeda, 94, could not attend the ceremony in person. In his acceptance speech, which was presented by Yoshihisa Baba, president, Soka University, Ikeda said the 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.
BAU vice-chancellor Onkar Nath Singh said Ikeda has repeatedly warned about the dangers of taking agriculture lightly.
BAU agriculture dean S.K Pal welcomed the guests, forestry dean M.S Malik made a presentation titled ‘BAU at a glance’ and dean postgraduate M. K Gupta proposed the vote of thanks.
Registrar S Chattopadhyay coordinated the event and Shashi Singh anchored it.
BAU and Soka University had signed an agreement about a month ago for mutual cooperation in the field of teaching, research, publication and other academic activities.
Both universities can exchange faculty and staff, jointly conduct research and consultancy, share information and publications and participate in other activities aimed at the development of booth the institutions of higher learning.
“The agreement will not create an additional financial burden on the institutions. Officials of both the institutions discussed their activities, achievements and infrastructure in the board room for further strengthening mutual collaboration,” said a spokesperson of BAU.