Assumption University Wai Kru Ceremony 2023

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Assumption University Wai Kru Ceremony 2023

July 6, 2023

'Wai Kru Ceremony' is a Thai ritual in which students respect teachers to convey their appreciation and strengthen the student-teacher connection. Wai Kru is always held on Thursday because this is widely recognized as the day of Brihaspati, the Vedic god of wisdom and teachers.

Assumption University Student Organization (AUSO) organized AU Wai Kru Ceremony 2023 on July 6, 2023 at John Paul II Sports Center, Suvarnabhumi Campus. Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, AU President, presided over the ceremony, with Vice Presidents, AU administrators and Faculty members who were also present. The ceremony commenced with an homage paying ceremony to King Rama X (Thai Royal Anthem Song).

Address by the President – Rector Magnificus
of Assumption University of Thailand
at the Wai Kru Ceremony 2023
on Thursday, July 6, 2023

Vice Presidents
Deans, Chairpersons,
Faculty and Staff Members,
President of AUAA,
President of AUSO,
Chair of the Organizing Committee
and Dear Students

Welcome everyone to this Wai Kru ceremony for academic year 2023. On behalf of the faculty members, I accept the homage and respect accorded to us all at this “Wai Kru.” We formally accept you as AU students and as members of AU family with all rights and privilege thereof.
The Wai Kru ceremony has been considered to be a good tradition and it has been practised in many professions. Those who do not understand the spirit and implications of this ceremony may not give value to it.
Normally, “Wai Kru” ceremony should precede the learning and teaching. Out of convenience, it is organized some days after the opening of a new academic year.
Permit me to shortly explain the meaning of “Wai Kru.” It is organized at the beginning of a new academic year. Two things have to be considered, namely, the Externalities – what can be visualized, and the Internalities − the inner values that can be drawn or symbolized from those Externalities.
Traditionally, students have to prepare flowers – like Dok Khem (ดอกเข็ม) – that symbolize sharp-witted and brainy;
- Dok Mahkheua (ดอกมะเขือ) Eggplant Flower –that symbolizes “respect.”
- Ya Phraek (หญ้าแพรก) – Bermuda grass and Popped rice (ข้าวตอก) Khao Tok – that represent humility towards teacher and not to stray or deviate from good conduct and discipline.
What you should focus and emphasize at this “Wai Kru” is its internalities or the spirit of the “Wai Kru.”

At this ceremony, students advance to offer flowers, joystick and candle to the teachers requesting them to accept them as their students while promising to work hard, to pay attention to studies, to obey and follow their advices. Whatever demands put forward by the faculty, students are ready to follow for their own benefits. With trust, confidence and respect in their faculty, they will do whatever in their power to pursue Truth and Knowledge, Wisdom and Virtues.

In the process of learning, disposition of trust, confidence, and respect are essential to personal growth from within and development can take place and flourish in this regard.
On the other hand, by the very fact that the faculty accept you as their students, it implies that they undertake the responsibility to educate you and prepare you for the society and the world. By such acceptance, the faculty profess to commit to teaching profession, to be your mentors, and to be patient and tolerant in all situations.

Success of learning and teaching depends however very much on commitment, cooperation and collaboration of the two parties.
Dear Students:

College life is a time to learn and to act independently. You are free to make your personal choices but you have to remain accountable to the outcomes. You have to prepare yourselves for the fast changing world. Learn to discipline yourselves, learn to work hard, to be patient and be persistent. Do not lose sight of your goals. While facing difficulties, do not be disheartened. Rather, consider them to be your sources of refinement and growth.
Today, “Wai Kru” is considered to be one of the most important day for the members of AU family: We are forming a strong tie within the family. All the activities organized, in one way or other, are meant either to develop the potentials or to strengthen the relationship of the members of AU family.

Apart from the “Wai Kru” ceremony, we also incorporate
a) The Presentation of Academic Achievement Certificates for honor students. Their academic accomplishments can be an inspiration to you, to inspire you or to excel them.

b) Another activity is the “Presentation of Student Leader Pins” (Pin Decoration). These students have to sacrifice their time and money to organize different co-and extra-curricular activities for the whole body of AU students. They create student experience environments so that lives on campus will be like “spices of Life”, and make lives on campus more meaningful. They contribute to the growth and development of our students. We do appreciate what they are trying to do for the University.

May I take this opportunity to thank them for the sacrifice, commitment and effort in their responsibilities.
May the spirit of “Wai Kru” live on in both our teaching and learning, in our engagement, and in our daily living so that each one will grow and develop to the full.
Permit me to thank the administrators, faculty members who are present here to honor our students. I would like to thank also those who help make this event a meaningful one. This includes members of Student Affairs, Administrative Affairs, Alumni Association, and Student Organization.
I pray that God will grant you the strength and courage to overcome all difficulties that may come your way. May He bless all who teach and all who learn. May your minds be always open to the Truth, Knowledge and teachings with humility.

May God bless you. Thank you!

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Wai Kru (Paying Respect to Teachers Ceremony)

AU students assembled to pay humble respect expressing their gratitude and appreciation to the university management, administrators and faculty members during the elaborate Wai Kru ceremony. The traditionally Wai Kru observances intended to strengthen student–teacher relationship, signifying students’ readiness, resilience and perseverance to learn, and requesting for instructors’ blessings.

The students have to prepare flowers to present them to the teachers. Again, flowers will be selected to symbolize certain characters or virtues to be instilled in the students.

First organized Wai Kru Ceremony @ABAC

ABAC Wai Kru Ceremony 1982 was held in the Meeting Room, De Montfort Hall, Hua Mak Campus. The event was organized for students to pay respect for their teachers. ABAC President, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas presided over the ceremony. Participants were administrators, the faculty, and students.