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The Vesak Celebration at Harapan Bangsa Modernhill Junior and Senior High School was held on Friday, May 16, 2025. The Waisak Celebration was an event organized to commemorate three significant events: the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the enlightenment of the ascetic Gotama as the Buddha, and the Buddha’s Parinibbana. The event was attended by all students and teachers of Harapan Bangsa Junior and Senior High School. It was a perfect opportunity to respect and honor our differences.

The Vesak celebration included various activities such as Pindapata, a joint event in the hall featuring the recitation of the Dhammapada, a speech by the principal, a Dhamma talk by a Bhikkhu, a performance of the Buddhist song titled “Pendupaan,” a Buddhist dance, and a performance of another Buddhist song titled “Selamat Hari Waisak.” The event concluded with the Fangsheng (animal release) ceremony. Bhikkhu Bhadrajagara Thera conveyed the importance of being someone who respects diversity among friends and highlighted the benefits of practicing tolerance toward others.

Ms. Sisilia Juni, the principal of the junior high school, delivered a welcoming speech and extended Vesak greetings to the teachers, staff, and students. She also reminded the teachers and students to practice tolerance toward friends of different religions, ethnicities, and cultures.

Bhikkhu Bhadrajagara Thera delivered a talk on diversity, emphasizing how it makes life colorful. He explained how to maintain a positive attitude toward friends of different religions, especially at school. He also elaborated on the benefits of practicing kindness toward everyone.

This was followed by the announcement of the total donation amount to be given to the Teratai Kasih Orphanage. The symbolic handover of the donation was carried out by Ms. Juni and Mr. Joko and entrusted to the Buddhist religion teacher to be delivered to the Teratai Kasih Orphanage. All teachers encouraged the students to practice compassion by helping others.

After the activities were completed, the Buddhist students offered lunch dana to the Bhikkhu and received blessings from him. The students then had lunch and continued their activities by visiting the Teratai Kasih Orphanage, where they were warmly welcomed by the children. They shared stories and played together. Before going back to school, the students performed a devotional service (Pujabakti) at Vihara Buddha Dharma 8 Pho Sat.

Overall, the Waisak 2559 BE / 2025 activities went smoothly, with all students, teachers, and staff being very cooperative and enthusiastic in participating in the event.