Tadika Seri Soka (TSS) held its 23rd graduation ceremony on October 14, 2017 at the Ikeda Peace Auditorium of the SGM Culture Centre, with a total of 148 graduates aged six years old, carrying the hopes and dreams for the future.
TSS founder Daisaku Ikeda has been watching over the children’s growth. In his congratulatory message, he expressed his hope that they will continue to be bright and cheerful “children of the sun” who play and work harmoniously with friends in their respective primary schools later. Furthermore, they should continue to be strong, righteous and lively so that they can bravely take on all kinds of challenges. He also expressed his aspiration that each and every one of them, without a single exception, will be the very hope for the future.
TSS principal Lye Loy Hou urged the graduates to expand their learning horizons, to be passionate about learning, and to always bear in mind TSS’ motto in the future. Mdm Lye also expressed her sincere gratitude to all the teachers who have worked tirelessly with care and love. Chairman of TSS’ board of directors Prof Dato’ Dr Christopher Boey encouraged the students to use the example of Helen Keller to courageously challenge and overcome all problems and vow to engrave President Ikeda’s guidance deep in their hearts while brimming with hope and courage just like the sun.
Next, several graduates shared their experience of growing up in TSS, determinations and ambitions. They have developed good character and various life skills and at the same time discovered the joy of learning under the warm care of the teachers. They have also learned to interact with others, make new friends along the way and resolved to follow President Ikeda’s guidance throughout their lives.
The highlight of the event came when all graduates gathered and performed a musical entitled Kanta and the Deer, an adaptation of President Ikeda’s children’s story of the same name. A boy named Kanta saved a magical deer, whom he later named Poyu, from a hunter. They later forged a unique friendship between them. Initially, Kanta was a weak-willed and timid boy, but due to his strong resolve to save Poyu, he stepped into a forest that was ruled by merciless hunters.
Bracing the bitter cold winter of Hokkaido, Kanta did not give in and was not discouraged even when he fell off a cliff. Through the performance, the graduation ceremony instilled in the children the spirit to be strong and courageous in facing the challenges of life. During the finale, everyone sang the theme song, ending the graduation ceremony in a warm and moving atmosphere.
