The victorious celebration of Soka Gakkai’s 80th anniversary came to a rousing climax with the holding of 80th Anniversary Commemorative Meeting on 25 December 2010 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The celebrations were attended by a combined attendance of 20,000 SSA members across two sessions and involving some 2,000 participants.
As a profound reflection of the significant departure towards Soka Gakkai 100th anniversary based on the spirit of building a new and youthful Soka Gakkai, some 800 Student Division and Future Division members took centre-stage and wowed the audience with their youthful vigour. Seated in centre of the arena, they formed the vital cheering contingent to rouse the spirit of everyone as they cheered, applauded and led the audience in the Regional HQ cheers.
The grand commemorative meeting also served as a gathering to appreciate the many members and leaders who have selflessly dedicated their hearts and efforts in achieving a record breaking discussion meeting attendance of 20,330 in 2010. Each and every one of the 500 districts had adorned 2010 with victories both for their district and in their personal lives. So it was with an air of pride that 500 leaders representing their individual districts walked proudly on stage to receive the District Achievement Award or the District Contribution Award.
There were also moments of serious contemplation as Women Division Chief Chan Mei Wah and Youth Division Chief Koh Yiak Kheng delivered their speeches, and when General Director Ong Bon Chai read President Ikeda’s heartfelt message, everyone was moved by the deep bond of mentor and disciple that permeated the entire event.
As the celebrative meeting came to a close, everyone felt reviled to meet the challenges ahead as SSA crosses the first decade of the 21st Century into 2011, and advances towards 2030 when the Soka Gakkai will commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founding. This significant departure now begins with the first step in 2011 — the Year of Capable People and Dynamic Development.