Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Survivors Honor PM Modi for World Peace Advocacy and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' Philosophy

Hiroshima atomic bomb survivors recognized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday for his commitment to global peace and the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', presenting him with a special citation from the Japanese NGO 'Peace Culture Village'.

The honor was bestowed during the 'Vishwa Seva Pakhwada 2025' observance in Japan. A delegation from the Indian Minorities Federation (IMF) commemorated Prime Minister Modi's 75th birthday while also paying tribute to bombing victims on the 80th anniversary of the atomic attacks. The delegation comprised Rajya Sabha MP and IMF convener Satnam Singh Sandhu, IMF Co-Founder Prof Himani Sood, and members of the Indian community residing in Japan.

The ceremony was attended by Toshiko Tanaka, a member of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning group Nihon Hidankyo representing atomic bomb survivors, and Kenta Sumioka, a third-generation atomic bomb survivor serving as Managing Director of Peace Culture Village in Hiroshima.

The citation, bearing signatures of both Tanaka and Sumioka, was presented to the IMF convener. It acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's global peace initiatives and recognized him as a consistent advocate for international harmony.

According to the citation, PM Modi's leadership demonstrates that humanity's greatest strength lies in dialogue, cooperation, and collective responsibility toward building a future free from nuclear weapons.

The document also highlighted PM Modi's contributions to nuclear peace through commemorative actions that honor victims and inspire younger generations to reject nuclear conflict.

It emphasized India's restraint policies reinforcing norms of non-use and risk reduction, the nation's dedication to transparent and peaceful cooperation, and the promotion of youth and scientific exchanges ensuring that innovation is guided by ethics and peace principles.

"In offering this honor, we also recognize your role as a steadfast global voice of peace, whose leadership affirms that humanity's highest strength lies in dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility for a future free of nuclear weapons," stated the citation.

Toshiko Tanaka shared his personal experience: "I was over six years old during the atomic attack in Hiroshima. I have lived through the horrors of this tragedy and dedicated my life to appealing to the world that we must destroy weapons of mass destruction. During the bombing, I lost all of my school friends and was the only survivor. To this day, no trace of some victims have ever been found."

Tanaka praised Prime Minister Modi's nuclear restraint position, saying, "I heard the views of India's Prime Minister Modi when he came to Japan, in which he expressed willingness to work for global peace with Japan. I was deeply inspired by his vision and India's declared policies of no-first-use, credible minimum deterrence, non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states, and a voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing. These provide important examples of how doctrine can restrain nuclear danger and reinforce global norms of non-use."

Commending the 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' philosophy, he added, "India's policy advocates world peace and sets an example for other nations. The Citation we have presented today acknowledges PM Modi's appeal to all nations for peace. I salute his mantra of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which embodies the profound belief that the world is one family."

Kenta Sumioka, representing the third generation of atomic bomb survivors, reflected on her family history: "I grew up listening to my grandmother recount what happened to her during the bombing. I had questions about it, and now, as an adult, I run an NGO in Hiroshima that provides peace education."

"I believe various countries must cooperate with each other, and India, in particular, holds a very important place in the world. I wish to join hands with Prime Minister Modi and the people of India to work towards peace, and I look forward to this cooperation," she added.

Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu remarked at the event, "The world has recognized Prime Minister Modi as a global ambassador of peace. Under his leadership, India's image on the global stage has been strengthened, and both India and Indians are held in great respect around the world. Relations between India and Japan have grown stronger in recent years under PM Modi's leadership."

He further expressed that if the world truly embraces Prime Minister Modi's concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, it could help resolve many contemporary conflicts.

"The Prime Minister has consistently vouched for world peace, unity, and harmony, with the conviction that humanity should live together peacefully and move towards a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow," he concluded.