August 17, 2018
Condolence Message on the Passing of Former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Following the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a message of condolence on behalf of Soka Gakkai members in India and throughout the world.
Reflecting on their meeting, Mr. Ikeda praised the former prime minister’s life of dedication to India’s development as a “magnificent epic poem of humanism.” He expressed confidence that this legacy would live on in the hearts of the Indian people and continue to illuminate India’s future.
Mr. Vajpayee was first elected to India’s Parliament in 1957. He served as prime minister in 1996 and from 1998 to 2004, contributing to India’s economic development. In February 1979, while serving as foreign minister, he met with Mr. Ikeda in India. The two discussed the role of religion, peace in Asia and other topics.
[Adapted from an article in the August 19, 2018, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
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