The fifth Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) Women’s Symposium was held on 23 July 2025 at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir Auditorium in Mumbai, India with the theme “Women Who Believe Are the Women Who Build.” Over 650 people participated.

The symposium began with an opening address by Ms. Rashi Ahuja, BSG All India Women’s Division Chief, who spoke about the important role women play in building value-creating societies that are based on a deep sense of self-belief. This was followed by a dance performance by members of the BSG Arts Division.

Then, Ms. Vaishali Sharma, President of the Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College Society in Chandigarh, shared her own story of choosing courage at every step, from bringing humanistic values into her role as marketing head, to being appointed as the first woman president in 50 years.

The heart of the event was the discussion among a panel of professional women moderated by actor and producer Tillotama Shome.

Each speaker shared her journey and what “belief” has meant in her life:

• Nandita Das, actor, filmmaker and social advocate, spoke about the importance of staying authentic, saying that conviction naturally brings courage.
• Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder and Chairperson of the Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation, talked about the strength she has seen in rural women, stressing the power of women’s solidarity and the need to give them real platforms to rise on their own. Her message was clear: “Don’t give poor solutions to poor people.”
• Minakshi Achan, marketing communications expert, encouraged everyone to use their voice: “Over time, courage becomes a muscle. That muscle builds belief. The foundation of belief is courage.”
• Prof. Anjana Sharma, Head of the Department of English at Delhi University, spoke about the joy of awakening someone to their own worth: “An educator’s mission is to help each person value themselves.”

In his closing address, BSG Chairperson Vishesh Gupta shared the image of the beauty of cherry, peach, plum and damson flowers used in Buddhist teachings as a metaphor for recognizing each person’s unique potential. He stressed that belief and a wish to contribute to society help that potential come into full bloom.

Watch the full video of the symposium here.