January 28, 2016
José Martí Cultural Society Honors SGI President
The José Martí Cultural Society presented Daisaku Ikeda with the Utility of Virtue Award, its highest honor, on January 29, 2016. The SGI leader was recognized for his dedicated efforts to advancing world peace and for promoting understanding of the fundamental principles that guide Cuban society. SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda accepted the award on his father’s behalf from Society President Armando Hart Dávalos.
The significance of the award can be gleaned from a line from Ismaelillo, a collection of poetry Martí dedicated to his son in 1882: “I have faith in the betterment of humanity, in a future life, in the usefulness of virtue, and in you.”1
The José Martí Cultural Society was established in October 1995 to enhance and widely disseminate the philosophical ideals and legacy of its namesake, Cuban hero José Marti. The Society also undertakes research on the historic struggles of the Cuban nation and brings together men and women from diverse professions and sectors of Cuban society to implement various initiatives and projects that promote Cuban culture.
In June 1996 Ikeda had traveled to Cuba and met with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, as well as a number of cultural and academic figures in the country. [See Cultural Exchanges for Peace: Cuba]
Society President Armando Hart Dávalos (seated in front) entrusts award to SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda (holding frame)
[Adapted from an article in the February 2, 2016, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
