On 2 October, over 170 youths from the Singapore Soka Association (SSA) held a virtual dialogue session with Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Health, Adviser to Pasir Ris-Punggol Grassroots Organisations (GROs). Prior to the dialogue session themed, “Beyond Covid-19 — What World Do We Imagine?”, SSA youths conducted various rounds of discussion to share observations on how Covid-19 had impacted areas of their lives and summarized three key areas – Resilience, Sustainability, and Inclusion and Diversity for an engaging discussion with Dr Janil.
In response to these key areas of concerns that were raised, Dr Janil outlined how the Government has been supporting with various new initiatives to circumvent the unprecedented pandemic and climate change that have thrown the world off course in recent years. He also reiterated the importance of having a good support system for youth while finding purpose in like-minded goals such as in positive activities that SSA carried out. In conclusion, he encouraged the youth present to explore creative ways to help others, particularly in areas that they have identified to be lacking and move the society closer as one community.
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda shared, “Nothing is more eloquent than such human qualities as courage and conviction from a person’s whole being, sincere voice, a bright smile and an act of immense kindness.”
Though imagining a world beyond Covid-19 at this juncture might seems hard, but with the inspiration by SMS Dr Janil to work on easy yet actionable ways to move forward together, we can definitely bring out the inherent power of every life we encounter to brightly outshine our current global adversity.
On his impression of the dialogue, Dr Janil shared,
“Thank you for having me, SSA youths! It has been a most lively session and I’m heartened by the very pertinent questions raised by all of you. I look forward to our future engagements.”
Lewis Kwek and Cheang Hui Xin, the two SSA youths who shared their stories of value creation in these difficult times of crisis during the dialogue session shared,
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity presented to me to share my personal development and the initiatives that I have worked on throughout this pandemic to inspire and empower the youths around me to take action for sustainability-related causes in my capacity. This dialogue inspired me not to give up despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, and together with fellow youths, we can continue to #ChooseHope and create a better world beyond COVID-19!”
– Lewis Kwek Boon Leong, NUS Student Division“This dialogue has provided enriching insights and a multifocal view, reminding youths that we should always contemplate issues from different perspectives. Dr Janil also encouraged us to anchor with an organisation that can help others, so as to continue bringing hope to the people around us. Moving ahead, I will constantly reflect on what values I can create in my work.”
– Cheang Hui Xin, Young Women Division
You may also tune in to the podcast of the dialogue session below.
