Winning Through Relentless Determination
Dr. Kavita Sharma began practicing Nichiren Buddhism in 1983.
Over her forty-two-year journey of faith, she experienced many remarkable victories:
Winning two gold medals during her MA at Delhi University
Overcoming life-threatening health conditions
Building a meaningful career in academics
Yet one of her greatest transformations was still waiting to unfold.
In June 2023, life suddenly became far more demanding.
She moved into a newly built house where construction work was still incomplete.
At the same time:
Her commute to college became significantly longer
She assumed headship of her department
The newly introduced NEP system drastically increased workload
Amidst all this, she also received a major responsibility in BSG.
She was assigned as Honorary District Chief (HDC) to a struggling district.
What initially looked like an exhausting burden gradually became the stage for profound human revolution.
A District Filled With Challenges
The district she was attached to faced numerous difficulties.
There was no WD district chief.
The membership strength on paper was 97, but active participation remained very low.
Discussion meeting attendance rarely crossed 29.
Rather than becoming discouraged, Dr. Kavita based everything on what Nichiren Buddhism calls “the strategy of the Lotus Sutra.”
She focused deeply on:
Faith
Practice
Study
Instead of depending on impersonal WhatsApp communication, she prioritized genuine one-on-one dialogue.
Home visits were carefully streamlined block-wise.
Inspired by Mrs. Ikeda’s encouragement:
“More important than winning is to not be defeated.”
she prayed sincerely for capable leaders to emerge.
At times, when obstacles felt overwhelming and progress seemed impossible, she challenged herself to chant ten hours of daimoku.
Despite an extremely demanding professional schedule, she never missed district planning meetings.
She poured her heart into every Gosho study meeting with the determination to help each member deepen their vow.
Slowly, she realized that transforming the district first required transforming her own life condition.
The Turning Point
As the organization advanced toward May 3rd in 2024, an important shift occurred.
A capable WD chapter chief was transferred into the unit.
The shared struggle gained fresh momentum.
Together, leaders united in prayer and intensified efforts to reach both active and inactive members.
Then came a breakthrough no one expected.
At the May discussion meeting, members began arriving in unusually large numbers.
Some had not attended meetings for four or five years.
The atmosphere overflowed with joy and amazement.
The attendance reached 58 — exactly double the previous highest attendance.
The victory was so significant that the district was eventually split into two districts.
Dr. Kavita remained attached to both as HDC.
What once appeared stagnant had transformed into a vibrant environment filled with renewed faith and energy.
Growing Together Through Shared Struggle
In 2025, inspired by the March 16th DHS Campaign, the districts deepened their determination even further.
Rather than depending solely on central leadership, members themselves began taking ownership of the struggle.
One district initially hesitated to set even a small target of six.
But through abundant daimoku and studying Sensei’s guidance, that hesitant target transformed into an enthusiastic determination for 30.
The new BSG weekend structure also strengthened home-visit efforts considerably.
As a result:
A new chapter was formed
Six leaders were appointed
Another district chief was transferred into the chapter
Most importantly, the spirit of shakubuku began spreading naturally.
One of Dr. Kavita’s shakubukus enshrined the Gohonzon and introduced three more people during the March 16th Campaign.
Meanwhile, aligned with the WD focus toward June 10th, leaders continued extensive home visits for N-1 and N-2 leaders.
The growth was no longer limited to numbers — people’s confidence and seeking spirit were visibly expanding.
The Greatest Human Revolution
Looking back, Dr. Kavita realized something profound.
The greatest victory was not organizational growth alone.
It was the transformation within her own heart.
Earlier, negativity and emotional exhaustion would consume her for long periods.
Now, whenever difficulties arose, she quickly connected with Sensei in her heart and redirected her mind positively.
This inner transformation became the true source of her strength.
At the age of 61, despite multiple serious health conditions, she continues living with remarkable vitality.
Her challenges include:
Thyroid disorder
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Spondylosis
Anaphylaxis since 2009
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic condition requiring her to carry emergency injectables constantly.
In 2021, she also underwent a major surgery after scans suggested cancer.
Thankfully, the condition later proved benign.
Yet despite all these medical challenges, she says something extraordinary:
She no longer “suffers” from these illnesses.
Because her life condition remains elevated through faith and mission.
Her physical challenges no longer define her identity or spirit.
Visible Benefits of Persistent Effort
Gradually, visible breakthroughs also began appearing across her family life.
An ancestral property issue that had remained deadlocked for over twenty years finally began moving toward resolution.
Remarkably, a missing signature required for the matter came through on the very day of the March 16th Meeting the previous year.
Meanwhile, because of a newly constructed road nearby, the value of the property appreciated significantly.
Professionally too, long-pending issues were resolved.
After a twelve-year delay, her pay fixation papers were finally cleared and she received two pending increments.
At home, another deeply cherished prayer was answered.
Her daughter became engaged to a wonderful kosen-rufu partner.
Her future son-in-law secured third rank in the All India Super Specialization examination, making him eligible for his dream surgical branch in Delhi.
This also enabled her daughter to continue her mission as a YWD leader in Noida.
Additionally, the registration of their kosen-rufu flat was completed successfully.
It truly felt, in the Daishonin’s words, like a “cluster of unsurpassed jewels” appearing naturally in her life.
A Line That Stayed With Me
“More important than winning is to not be defeated.”
Reflection
Often, people assume that external success alone creates happiness.
But Buddhism teaches something deeper:
True victory is developing a life state that cannot easily be defeated by circumstances.
Dr. Kavita’s journey demonstrates that human revolution happens gradually:
Through consistent prayer
Through sincere encouragement of others
Through refusing to surrender to negativity
Through taking responsibility beyond one’s comfort zone
And sometimes, the greatest benefit is not merely solving problems.
It is becoming the kind of person who can face life joyfully despite them.
Key Takeaways
Human revolution begins by transforming one’s inner life state.
Persistent encouragement strengthens both self and others.
Challenges often become opportunities for leadership growth.
Faith helps people remain undefeated despite illness and pressure.
Sincere prayer combined with action creates lasting transformation.
Forward With Determination
Today, Dr. Kavita remains deeply determined to:
Raise many capable successors toward 2030
Strengthen unity with fellow leaders
Advance shakubuku joyfully
Help every member unleash their unique potential
Contribute toward BSG’s goal of one million members
Above all, she remains committed to continuing her own human revolution and living every day with youthful spirit, gratitude, and unwavering determination.
Inspired by a published Buddhist experience and retold with commentary, reflection, and adapted storytelling.