The university observes its foundation day with an alms-giving ceremony, Buddhist rites, and the ‘Pha Pa’ educational fundraising programme, contributing crucial funds to the Mo Din Daeng Endowment.
On Sunday, 25 January 2026, from 07:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs, Khon Kaen University (KKU) observed its 62nd Foundation Day anniversary by organising an alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat), a chanting ceremony (Charoen Phra Putta Mon), and a Pha Pa (forest robe offering) ceremony for education.
The ceremony, held under the “Seniors Support Juniors: 1,000 Baht per Pile” project, was led by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University. He was joined by executives, personnel, students, alumni, and members of the Buddhist community at Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University. The event successfully raised a total of 1,466,381.63 Baht for the Mo Din Daeng Endowment Fund.
The ceremony was gracefully presided over by Luang Por Inthawai Santussako of Wat Pa Nakhamnoi, Na Yun District, Udon Thani Province. Ten highly revered high-ranking monks and meditation masters from the Kammathan lineage (forest tradition) were invited to receive alms and conduct the Buddhist rites, ensuring auspiciousness for all attendees.
The Venerable Monks included:
- Phrakhru Opasa Thampaphot (Mah Opaso) of Wat Pa Thamma Wiwek, Chonnabot District, Khon Kaen Province.
- Phrakhru Wisit Phromchariyakhun (Luang Por Samdong Janthachoto) of Wat Arun Phrommaram, Prathai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
- Phra Ajarn Sakorn Ariyo of Wat Pa Phu Meng Thong, Nong Ruea District, Khon Kaen Province.
- Phrakhru Sutthithamrangsi (Phra Ajarn Jamrat Khunopaso) of Wat Tham Kok Du, Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani Province.
- Phra Ajarn Rattana Khemratano of Wat Pa Ruam Tham, Phen District, Udon Thani Province.
- Phrakhru Palad Veeranuvat (Preadee Phonlayano) of Wat Pa Kittiyanusorn, Phu Wiang District, Khon Kaen Province.
- Phra Ajarn Bunma Aphi Punnyo of Wat Pa Bunmawas, Chuen Chom District, Maha Sarakham Province.
- Phrakhru Kittithamwat (Kangwan Kittiko) of Wat Pa Pracha Charoen Tham, Wapi Pathum District, Maha Sarakham Province.
- Phra Nithi Sophonsilo of Wat Koh Thong, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.
- Phra Ajarn Somkhuan Jitthakho of Wat Koh Thong, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.
The ceremony commenced at 07:30 hrs when the ten Venerable Monks, along with ten assisting monks (Phra Anu Chorn), received alms from more than 1,000 attendees, including the executive team, personnel, students, and Buddhist faithful, in front of the Sirikunakorn Building.
Subsequently, at 08:00 hrs, the President, who served as the ceremony chairman, lit candles and incense to pay homage to the Triple Gem. This was followed by the offering of breakfast to the monks and the presentation of the Pha Pa offerings for education. The monks then recited the Anumodana (blessings), chanted the Charoen Chai Mongkol Katha (victorious blessings), and sprinkled holy water upon the participants.
The Pha Pa fundraising campaign, conducted under the “Seniors Support Juniors: 1,000 Baht per Pile” concept, successfully generated a total of 1,466,381.63 Baht. These funds will be allocated to the Mo Din Daeng Endowment Fund to provide essential scholarships for underprivileged students. Donors are also eligible to claim tax deductions for their contributions.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, Khon Kaen University enhanced its celebration by concurrently hosting social and environmental activities. These included planting 620 trees near the Science Museum and, in the afternoon, hosting the “KKU Homecoming: 62 Years of Pride” event at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre. This afternoon programme aimed to strengthen relationships among the university’s community, including current students, staff, and alumni.
The organisation of the 62nd Foundation Day activities successfully integrated faith, the fostering of Buddhism, the promotion of educational opportunity, and environmental stewardship, while simultaneously strengthening the bond across all generations of Mo Din Daeng personnel and students. This celebration reaffirmed Khon Kaen University’s role as a higher education institution committed to balanced and sustainable societal development.
ข่าว : เบญจมาภรณ์ มามุข
ภาพ : ณัฐวุฒิ จารุวงศ์ / ณัฐพงษ์ ชำนาญเอื้อ
