Leading with Courage During the Pandemic

Harini Mehta began practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in Hyderabad after struggling with uterine fibroids that severely affected her daily life. Routine household work became exhausting, physical activity was painful, and doctors advised prolonged medication with the possibility of uterus removal surgery if treatment failed.

When a friend invited her to chant before the Gohonzon, she immediately felt an extraordinary surge of life force flowing through every cell of her body. Soon afterward, she attended her first Gakkai meeting, where the warmth, optimism, and compassion of the members gave her an immediate sense of belonging.

As she continued chanting daimoku, participating in Gakkai activities, and studying Ikeda Sensei's guidance, her health steadily improved. The symptoms gradually disappeared and never resurfaced. Since then, Sensei's Women's Division guidance, "Everything begins with prayer," became the foundation of every challenge she faced.

Transforming Fear into Courage

On April 15, 2021, her father tested positive for COVID-19. Living in Hyderabad while her parents were in Chandigarh, she suddenly found herself coordinating blood tests, CT scans, ambulances, oxygen cylinders, and emergency hospital arrangements from hundreds of kilometers away. Her greatest concern was her mother, whose fragile lungs and previous surgeries placed her at particularly high risk.

"The courage of a lion king - the heart to fight without fear of any difficulty - exists within us all." (Gosho for Ikeda Kayo-kai, 172)

Drawing strength from this guidance, she chanted daimoku wholeheartedly and resolved to strengthen her efforts for kosen-rufu without fear. She became convinced that the more causes she created for others' happiness, the greater courage her parents would summon to overcome this crisis.

Creating Hope in the Community

Even while supporting her own family, she noticed the rapidly growing number of COVID cases within her residential community. Refusing to focus only on her personal struggles, she initiated a food supply program for quarantined families.

Gathering nearly sixty women volunteers, she designed a structured meal distribution system, created tracking spreadsheets, coordinated volunteers, and ensured uninterrupted food supplies for every affected family throughout their quarantine period.

Sensei says, "We too, must have such an invincible spirit. As lions we continue to move forward unshaken by any obstacle or setback determined to realize kosen-rufu and fulfil our personal mission." (NHR-19, 330)

Just four days later, another challenge arose when both her in-laws in Mumbai tested positive for COVID-19. Once again, she coordinated their medical care remotely while continuing to support her parents and lead the community volunteer initiative.

Throughout this difficult period, she strengthened her own life condition by striving alongside district members during the May Campaign, participating in study meetings, relay daimoku, and encouraging fellow members. During this time, she also introduced this philosophy to a close friend who had lost her mother to COVID-19.

Sensei Says, "When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with our whole being for the sake of kosen-rufu, we cannot fail to move the heavenly deities, the positive forces of the universe." (Shining Suns of Soka, 39)

Filled with gratitude, she reported complete victory as both her parents and her in-laws recovered from COVID-19 with minimal complications.

Growing Through Human Revolution

The food management initiative continued well beyond the immediate crisis. The model received recognition in The Times of India , and she was invited to share the initiative on a local FM radio station so that other communities could replicate it.

She regarded this recognition not as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to represent Sensei's spirit through compassionate action in society.

Alongside these efforts, she continued strengthening her district by leading study sessions, participating in cultural activities, and sharing her experiences. She introduced two new members to the practice and conducted meaningful dialogues with four friends.

At home, her daughter became an active Young Phoenix member, joyfully drawing sketches of Ikeda Sensei and developing her own bond with the mentor. Her husband, witnessing her remarkable transformation, often remarked on the tremendous human revolution she had undergone—from someone who was easily disturbed by small situations to someone who faced life's challenges with calmness, courage, and compassion.

Deeply grateful for Ikeda Sensei's guidance, Harini remains determined to live as a Bodhisattva of the Earth who courageously enters society, creates value for others, and contributes to lasting peace.

With this spirit, she continues advancing kosen-rufu, determined to eternalize Sensei's vision for a peaceful world through prayer, courageous action, and compassionate leadership.