Teachers’ Day Celebration

Reported by Ven. Karambane Sumanadhamma, M.A. student

ajñānatimirāndhasya jñānāṅjanaṣalākayā
cakṣur unmilītaṁ yena tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ

Salutations to our esteemed teachers, who are our guiding lights that leads us on our path towards knowledge and wisdom!

Teachers’ Day at International Buddhist College (IBC) was held on the 16th of January, in conjunction with Teachers’ Day celebration in Thailand. This day is celebrated to acknowledge the profound impact and contribution of teachers in shaping the lives of students. The event commenced with a warm welcome by Ven. Zhen Ti who highlighted the significance of Teachers' Day in honoring and expressing our gratitude to all dedicated educators. The celebration continued with the birthday song in English and Chinese, followed by a ceremonial cutting of the cake, fostering a sense of connection and commitment among teachers and students.

The celebration reflects the deep respect the student hold for their teachers. After presenting thoughtful gifts to the teachers, the students expressed their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the teachers for their unwavering commitment in imparting knowledge and fostering their personal growth.

Prof. Kapila Abhayawansa, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, delivered a short yet impactful speech, shedding light on the purpose of Teachers' Day and emphasizing the importance of respecting the teachers. He reiterated the timeless roles played by the teachers in instilling knowledge, values, and wisdom to the students. Therefore, it is important for the students to respect the teachers.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mattia Salvini, the Dean of Graduate School, highlighted the interconnected relationship between teachers and students. He emphasized that a college's strength lies in the balanced growth of both sides, and that teachers are there because of the students.

Students were then given the opportunity to express their heartfelt words of gratitude to the teachers at IBC. They emphasized the uniqueness and loyalty of IBC teachers, defining the term ‘guru’ (‘gu’ meaning darkness or ignorance and ‘ru’ meaning destroyer) as one that destroys the darkness of ignorance.

In conclusion, students expressed their happiness in having such dedicated teachers at IBC and conveyed their wishes for the continuation of this auspicious program in the future. A special note of thanks was extended to all lecturers, the administration team, and the organizing committee for their immeasurable dedication in making the Teachers’ Day celebration a success. May the accumulated merits from Teachers' Day contribute to the liberation of all beings from saṁsāra.

NOTE:
Please find your Teachers’ Day Celebration photos from the link below:
https://ibc-elibrary.thanhsiang.org/node/1041