January 25, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. – Khon Kaen University by the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Section, the Art and Cultural Center, the Student Union, the Meditation and Ethics Club, the Buddhism and Tradition Club, and the Art and Culture Network held a merit making and food offerings activities on the occasion of the University’s 59th Anniversary in 2023. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University and his wife, Dr. Uanjit Panthongviriyakul, presided over the merit making ceremony, which was also joined by Khon Kaen University administrators, lecturers, staff, and students. The ceremony was held at Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
The food offerings to monks and prayers to celebrate the 59th year of Khon Kaen University’s foundation in 2023 was organized for prosperity of the University and for making merit for the lecturers, staff members and students who passed away. Moreover, this practice follows the graceful tradition under Buddhism. There were prayers by the monks for the deceased who used to be the benefactors of Khon Kaen University. The President of the University acted as the chairperson of the ceremony and led the administrators, lecturers, staff and students to offer foods to 60 monks who walked in a row with their bowls at the White Bridge. In addition, foods and the four necessities of monks were presented to 10 monks with good practices and conduct. A cloth offering ceremony, which was intended to raise funds for student scholarships, was also performed at the foyer on the 1st Floor of Sirikunakorn Building.
The 10 good-practicing monks are:
Phra Rachabhavana Vachirakorn V. (Lunag Po In Thaiwai Sanuttusako) from Kham Noi Forest Monastery, Udon Thani
Phra Rachavachirathammajan Vi. (Luang Po Sutham Suthamumo) from Ban Tat Forest Monastery, Udon Thani
Phra Rachavachirayankosol Vi. (Luang Po Boonmee Thammarato) from Sattha Thawai Forest Monastery (Tao Cave), Udon Thani
Phra Khru Visit Praommajarayakhun (Luang Po Sam Dong Jantha Choto) from Aranprommaram Monastery, Nakhon Ratchasima
Phra Khru Sutthiyannasopon (Phra Ajarn Lek Sutthiyano) from Na Kham Forest Monastery, Nongkhai
Luang Po Sa-ngob Kusolajitto from Sukjai Forest Monastery, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan
Luang Po Angkhan Akkathammo from Nam Jon Forest Monastery, Wangthong District, Pitsanulok
Phra Ajarn Ratana Khemratano from Ruam Tham Forest Monastery, Pen District, udon Thani
Phra Khru Sutthithamrungsru (Phra Ajarn Jamras Khu Thopaso) from Kok Du Cave Monastery, Nongwuaso District, Udon Thani
Phra Ajarn Viddhaya Chayawuttho from Visudhi Yanasampanno Forest Monastery (Lublao) Nayoong District, Udon Thani
The monks then prayed and sprinkled holy water to attendants, who had their temperature measured and were wearing masks at all time at the ceremony. The attendants were also required to have been vaccinated against Covid. The number of attendants was limited in accordance with the public health regulation.
Khon Kaen University has a vision to become “a world class research and development university. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has categorized Khon Kaen University as a higher education institution in the international group of the leading research and development universities. Khon Kaen University has supported the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in accordance with the national policy. KKU was placed the first of the country last year by THE Impact Ranking in SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger; and was placed among the top universities in the country in SDG 3: Good Health, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 5: Gender Equality. Additionally, Khon Kaen University is determined to be a Green University, a center of innovation-based educational research and development of the Region and ASEAN, a medical hub for solving health problems in the Northeast, and is proceeding towards the development of a SMART CITY by creating innovations for the strength and happiness of the community and society, through the value of Social Devotion.
News: Jiraporn Prahomchai
Photos: Natthawut Jaruwong
