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One thing is clear, young people everywhere need someone to truly hear them. A single moment of genuine connection can alter a person’s destiny. It can transform a time of deep darkness into a spark of hope and ignite a dream for the future.

I believe that freedom of speech – the right of individuals to express their individual viewpoints no matter how unpopular — is necessary for constructive dialogue and constructive dialogue is in turn necessary for the peaceful resolution of the conflicts we face.

So now graduates, it’s your turn, to take up the cause for global citizenship that has been passed on to you by your mentors, your professors, your friends, you are absolutely ready. Go forth and shine.

Immeasurable potential lies dormant within the great earth of every individual’s sublime life.

Let’s spread friendship like the wind. Let’s sow the seed of collaboration like the earth. Let’s give like the sun. Let’s fight injustice and prejudice angrily and fiercely. Let’s be kind to each other, kind.

Now more than ever, I ask you to manifest the true value of Soka’s global citizens, doing so in good cheer with wisdom and resilience, to brighten our world in this century from the stage of your respective mission in life.

So be that life singularity, that life force, that energy of love and truth. May I then urge you to be a human being who is a citizen of the human race. Learn the power of life, the power of love, the power of what I call soul force.

My beloved graduates, I envision firmly clasping every one of your hands, to send you off with this exhortation: May you brighten civilization in the 21st century like the dawn beaming with hope!

My beloved graduates of the Classes of 2020, you are the hope and jewel of inestimable value
for all humankind. I will always be watching over you, praying for your health and success,
that your lives resound with songs of triumph.

My happiness lies in all of you becoming happy. My victory is for each of you to triumph.