This article was published in times of india dated 14th August 2006 written by Dr Daisaku ikeda

The past year saw a series of devastating natural disasters, continuing terror attacks and conflict, and the threat of virulent new diseases. These issues affect every one of us with no respect for political or geographical borders; they are perhaps an integral aspect of globalisation.

But the most effective search for solutions to these global problems starts with a focus on our immediate, individual realities.

The need today is for individuals of robust character who can confront the changes in our society without becoming ensnared in greed and selfishness.

The robust individual is rooted in society, in relationships with others and in shared and mutual concerns.

Humanity is found and developed within the context of our relations and it is within this framework of our own interactions that we must each begin to address the global issues that confront us.

Peace is not simply the absence of war. A peaceful society is one in which everyone can maximise their potential and build fulfilling lives free from threats to their dignity.

Rallying public opinion to the cause of peace and disarmament requires — besides experts and those already involved — people from all walks of life.

There needs to be a revolutionary transformation in the way people think about peace, so that it is felt as an immediate and personal reality.

Disarmament education with this deeper goal can play an important role in moving us from a culture of war — of conflict and confrontation — to a culture of peace based on cooperation and creative coexistence.

We must fully integrate disarmament education in every way possible and develop activities to this end throughout civil society. The basis for these initiatives must be a shift in our frame of reference from national to human sovereignty.

Disarmament education needs to be disseminated grass roots up. Our greatest priority should be changing people’s mindset and behaviour so that they are grounded in a culture of peace.

A transformation in the inner life of a single individual can spur similar changes in others. As this extends into society, it generates a powerful vortex for peace that can steadily shape the direction of events.

The collective impact of “ordinary citizens”, awakened and empowered, can propel humankind towards the twin goals of genuine disarmament and a flourishing culture of peace.

I will always remember what Joseph Rotblat, emeritus president of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, said to me on ridding the world of nuclear weapons and war: “When a small stone is thrown into a pond, the ripples travel widely out from the centre.

Though the ripples may become less powerful, they still do not completely disappear. Every person has the power to create ripples that can change society.

If these efforts are concentrated and channelled through NGOs, inevitably the power to influence society will grow… If we unite, we can change the world.

It might take some time, but viewed from a long-term perspective, the people will be victorious in the end”. If one likens political and economic relations to ships, connections between ordinary people are like the ocean itself.

So long as the ocean of mutual understanding and friendship continues to link peoples, amicable interactions will be maintained even through crises in which the ships risk running aground.

This faith in the importance of people-to-people connections is the basis for all my actions. The writer is president, Soka Gakkai International.

For full text of the 2006 Peace Proposal, see http://www.sgi.org/english/President/peaceproposal/peace2006.htm.