24 February

Dhammaduta Chekinda University (DSU) welcomes new monks, opens an entry gate and unveiled a stone pillar at a ceremony held at Dhammaduta Zaytawun Tawya Chekindarama monastery, Auk Wa Net Chaung Village, Hmawbi Township, Yangon Region, yesterday morning.

First the entry gate of DSU was opened by Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko, Department of Religious Affairs Director General U Myint Oo and donors by cutting the ceremonial ribbon, unveiled the stone pillar and sprinkled scented waters on it.

At the ceremony Union Minister Thura U Aung Ko and wife and guests listened to sermons delivered by State Ovacariya Shwekyin Nikaya Dipati Chairman Maha Nayaka Dhamma Thaynapati Panna Rathama Shwekyin Sasana Paing Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru Agga Maha Panita Vizawtayone Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vizawta and joint Shwekyin Sasan Paing Sishin Sayadaw Agga Maha Panita Bhaddanta Agga Nyana Bivamsa. Next, DSU Adhipati Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddanta Chekinda delivered a greeting speech followed by Union Minister Thura U Aung Ko addressing about religious matter and presenting offertories to the Sayadaws and sanghas.

Afterwards DSU Adhipati Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddanta Chekinda welcomed 35 new monks attending courses in the 2018-2019 education year and presented identity cards and commemorative gifts.

This was followed by the DSU patron Sayadaws presenting opening ceremony commemorative gifts to Union Minister Thura U Aung Ko.

Finally DSU registrar Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddant Kissana explained briefly about the courses conducted and DSU Adhipati Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddanta Saekainda delivered a sermon.

The Union Minister and officials then observed the photo exhibition of the construction stages of DSU and toured the offices of DSU.—MNA (Translated by Zaw Min)