IBC welcomes the Lunar New Year
Millions of people around the world celebrated the Lunar New Year popularly known as Chinese New Year on 8th February 2016. Fire works lighted up the sky in many parts of the world to mark the first day of the year of the Monkey. Skies in Pak Thong Chai didn’t change, nor were there any unusual sounds of festivity apart from the loud barking of the dogs, probably at the passing of the beast Nian?
Yet, life at IBC was special – Professors, Staff and Students came together for a Lunch Dana to welcome the Year of the Monkey. They prepared variety of feast, unique to their own countries. When the time drew nearer for lunch, some were still adding the last bit of flavor while others were rushing with their final touch up to the beautification of the place to display that at least we at IBC did our part in welcoming the red fire Monkey. The table looked no less than the world’s best culinary display, representing dishes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. All cooked by Professors, Staff and Students representing from these countries. A sumptuous meal Dana was thus offered to IBC family like never before!
To do the justice for an auspicious gathering, Professor Charles Willemen, the Rector of IBC was invited to share his thoughts. “Beware of the unstable monkey this year” cautioned the professor in his ever unparalleled wit and humor to the roar of laughter from the beaming students. Astrologically the Monkey year 2016 is believed to be an unfavorable year for any new ventures. Of course on the serious note he reminded how important the day is especially for IBC owing to the fact that there are many International students who follow the Lunar Calendar. He wished everybody a fruitful and a prosperous year ahead. “This is the time of togetherness, and it is important to build the friendship and brotherhood”, remarked Professor Kapila Abhayawansa, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of IBC in his statement that followed. He said that as the New Year begins, we should pray for happiness for all.
On behalf of the Student Club, Ven. Peng Sary thanked the Professors for their pearls of wisdom and thanked everyone who helped to make the event a successful one. He reminded the fellow students that we must carry the seed of peace that IBC has sown in us. The event ended with the transference of merits, but life goes on as the students dispersed to their respective classes. For the Student’s Club this marked their launch of 2016-work plan. Best is yet to come!
ɡōnɡ xǐ fā cái
Reported by Chimi Wangmo
