Creating Value Through Education And Faith

I started practicing Nichiren Buddhism in 2019, shortly after completing my graduation.

At that time, I was deeply disappointed and confused about my future.

Even though I had secured a good rank in the entrance examinations for master’s programs, I could not get admission anywhere.

I felt defeated.

But something remarkable happened after I began chanting daimoku consistently.

Within just 15 days, I received admission into the B.Ed. program at the University of Delhi.

That experience became my first undeniable proof of the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

From that moment onward, I resolved to remain steadfast in my practice.

Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Faith

In 2020, I took responsibility as a block chief.

As I continued chanting, doing home visits, participating in Gakkai activities, and studying Value Creation, something inside me slowly transformed.

I began overcoming years of self-doubt.

For the first time in my life, I started believing in myself and my potential.

At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal life completely.

Since my B.Ed. classes shifted online, anxiety gripped me.

I constantly worried:

“Will I even get a job after this?”

But instead of surrendering to fear, I based myself on daimoku and started applying for opportunities.

Eventually, I was selected for a fellowship offered by Teach for India.

That breakthrough opened a completely new path in my life.

Choosing The Path Of A Humanistic Educator

Around the same time, I lost my father.

The grief was immense.

Yet faith gave me the courage to continue moving forward.

I determined to become a Soka Educator who genuinely contributes to children’s happiness.

Ikeda Sensei’s words deeply inspired me:

“The goal of education must be one with the goal of life. And this means that it must enable students to attain a life of happiness.”

(Soka Education, 158)

As I started teaching children online, I tried to embody this spirit in every interaction.

Attending Education Division meetings further strengthened my commitment toward value-creating education.

Bringing SDGs Into The Classroom

When schools reopened physically, I became determined to create classrooms that nurtured compassionate and responsible global citizens.

Inspired by the BSG for SDG App, I introduced initiatives like:

SDG discussions

“SDG Action of the Day” activities

Plastic-Free campaigns

Earth Day activities using “Best Out of Waste”

I also focused deeply on students’ emotional growth.

I planned hands-on learning experiences for every subject and engaged students through sincere one-to-one conversations.

I prayed daily for each child’s happiness and growth.

I even visited students’ homes and was deeply moved by the warmth and trust their families showed me.

At the same time, I continued my own studies by pursuing a master’s degree through distance learning.

I also co-founded a small venture supporting:

Gender Equality

Climate Action

Together with mothers of some students, we even started sustainable stationery production.

Transforming A District Through Encouragement

In 2021, I became the YWD district chief of a district that had almost no active YWD members.

Rather than feeling discouraged, I prayed earnestly for youth to emerge.

I began reaching out sincerely to:

WD members

Future Division members

Youth members

I conducted 10 heartfelt dialogues and introduced three lives to the practice.

Gradually, the district began transforming.

Future Division members became active and four youth joined as members.

Watching the district come alive filled my heart with immense joy.

Reporting Victory Through Perseverance

As my Teach for India fellowship neared completion, another struggle emerged.

I began applying to many organizations but repeatedly faced rejection.

Still, I refused to be defeated.

I turned to Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on work and continued chanting with determination.

Finally, in May 2023, I received a major breakthrough.

I was selected as a primary teacher in a reputed school located nearly 50 kilometers away from my home.

The salary, opportunities, and benefits exceeded all my expectations.

At school, I focused completely on nurturing children as global citizens.

I introduced creative ideas like:

A “Fun Corner” for free-time learning

Chief Earth Officer responsibilities for students

Individual emotional support sessions

Activities promoting responsible use of electricity and paper

I gave personal attention to every child — whether helping improve handwriting, encouraging them to finish meals, or simply listening to their feelings.

Slowly, I started seeing transformation in the children.

Winning Through Continuous Effort

In April 2024, encouraged by my school, I participated in a global Teacher’s Olympiad.

At the same time, my probation period at work was nearing completion, yet I had still not received confirmation.

Simultaneously, I took responsibility at the chapter level in Gakkai.

While praying for everyone’s happiness and giving my best at work, I also exerted fully in activities:

Supporting contribution sincerely

Making the July 3rd YWD Campaign successful

Doing pick-and-drop for members

Studying NHR daily with members

Volunteering for exhibitions

Supporting EG book fairs

Taking care of Future Division activities

Soon, my prayers manifested beautifully.

In the Teacher’s Olympiad:

I ranked 3rd globally in my subject

And 37th globally across all subjects

I also finally received my confirmation letter at school.

My principal personally appreciated my sincere efforts.

The Greatest Victory

But more than awards or recognition, my greatest joy comes from seeing transformation in my students.

One child who used to cry throughout the day and feared school now attends happily and has made friends.

Parents often tell me that their children have become more confident and expressive.

Even students from my previous organization continue approaching me whenever they need academic guidance.

Moments like these remind me why I chose this path.

Moving forward, I determine to:

Make children’s happiness my top priority

Continue enhancing my skills as an educator

Embody Makiguchi Sensei’s vision of value-creating education

Raise capable successors for society

I now know that true education is not merely about academic success.

It is about helping each child discover courage, dignity, hope, and happiness within their own life.