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Commencement Day at Asian University

Thread of love keeps Krailas on the path of truth and goodness

Commencement Day at Asian University

Wednesday 21 September 2005 was the Commencement or Graduation Day at Asian University.

This year, Graduates from the faculty of Business Administration, both MBA and BBA as well as Graduates from the faculty of Engineering and Technology, B. Eng., received their rewards for four years of hard study.

Lord Ronald Oxburgh congratulates one of the new graduates.

Of this year’s graduates, nearly 30% were not able to attend as they were either furthering their studies, or working overseas. The University President, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya welcomed the guests, parents, staff and most of all, the new graduates. He spoke of how the University was changing, and that nearly 20% of the current students come from outside Thailand. He is keen to see this proportion increase in the future, and scholarship programmes for overseas students have been put in place to encourage non-Thais to come to study at Asian U.

HE David Fall addressing the audience.

Lord Ronald Oxburgh then conferred the degrees on the new graduates.

Lord Oxburgh then addressed the audience, with congratulations and timely advice for the graduates. He also reminded them to thank their parents and friends for their help and support. H. E. The British Ambassador, David Fall, then spoke in both English and Thai. He too gave advice to the graduates, and explained how much he enjoyed these occasions, seeing positive young people were setting out into a rapidly changing world.

Asian University was founded in 1993, and the first undergraduates joined us in 1998, with just two faculties. Since then the number of course options has increased and a third faculty, Liberal Arts, was started in 2002.

Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya welcomes the guests.

Assistant Professor and Lord Oxburgh heading the procession of graduates.

HE David fall cuts the congratulatory cake.

Captain Sai-chon Kong-on from the Queen Sirikit Hospital receives her welcome corsage.

The Class of 2005 gathers for photographs and celebrations.

Thread of love keeps Krailas on the path of truth and goodness

Suchada Tupchai

Krailas Homklin (Num) is 16 years old. Like many unfortunate children in the world today, Krailas had many family problems when he was young. He came from a broken home and spent most of his childhood living with his relatives.

Novice Krailas listens attentively to chief abbot Phrakhru Pipitkitjarak’s teachings.

One day realizing that he lacked the warmth and comforts not to mention the love of a family, he left home and headed for Pattaya where he existed for quite some time as a street kid, until a welfare officer took him into custody and placed him in the care of the Sai Yai Rak Project.

Krailas was diligent and promised himself that he would complete the 3 month rehabilitation course in the ‘camp of love’

He also promised himself that when he finished his training course, he would become a novice in a Buddhist temple.

Krailas takes his first steps towards seeking the truth and dharma.

The elders were overjoyed to hear him make such a promise, as they all had also vowed that they would make a good boy out of him. They promised to lend a hand and help him cross the threshold into the realm of goodness and holiness.

On the auspicious day, which fell on the 13th of September, his patrons and adopted parents gathered at Wat Nongprue to see their child take the first steps into manhood.

This ceremony was simple and was witnessed by the monks from many temples in the area. In the morning they had a traditional procession for the novices to be, followed by a lecture given by chief abbot Phrakhru Pipitkitjarak on subjects concerning youth, life and truth. He said that in the present day, there are so many things that can distract young people and its is so important that they are cared for, supported and loved by their guardians.

Sadly for many they don’t have guardians, but some are more fortunate to be cared for by the benevolent men and women of the Sai Yai Rak project.

This is one day Krailas will never forget. It was the day that he not only took the first step towards seeking the truth and dharma, but it was also the day that he found his family who opened their arms to receive Krairas and gave him a home in their hearts.

Arunee Prayongyaem, Chief Judge of the Juvenile and Family Court of the Chon Buri presents saffron robes to the young novice.

Sopin Thepajak, Associate judge of the Youth and family court and Pol. Capt. Jeerawat Sukhonthasap of the Tourist Police, the adopted guardians.