Reported by: Ven. Sajal Barua
Remembering the precious birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Sakyamuni Buddha, the 13th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2016 (ICDV) was held jointly at the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Wang Noi and the United Nations Conference Center, Bangkok on 22nd and 23rd of May. Among the participants were Buddhist leaders and representatives from different Buddhist centers and institutions around the world. A group of four members, representing International Buddhist College, Thailand joined the celebration.
On the first day (May 22nd), the celebration started with the praying to the Triple Gems which was led by the acting supreme patriarch of Thailand, His Holiness Somdet Phra Maharatchamangkalacharn, followed by the report by the president of the ICDV, Ven. Prof, Dr. Phra Brahmmapundit, and reading of the messages from Buddhist leaders. Among other activities were the welcome address by H.E. Deputy Prime Minister, Keynote speech on the topic ‘The Buddhist Path to World Peace’ by the Minister of Buddhasasana and Justice of Sri Lanka, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, and a symposium on the subject ‘Buddhist Education for Peace’. The celebration on the first day ended with a chanting by the world Buddhist leaders in conjunction with the 84th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, followed by the cultural show.
On the second day (May 23rd), the celebration started with reading of messages respectively from the General Prayut, the Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Ban Ki-Moon and other political leaders. Among other activities were a presentation on ‘The Role of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand in Supporting Cultures and Buddhism’ and another symposium on the topic ‘Buddhist Contribution to Environmental Responsibility for World Peace’. The celebration ended with a dhamma teaching by the acting supreme patriarch of Thailand, His Holiness Somdet Phra Maharatchamangkalacharn.
