The Buddhist and Nalanda flags were lowered for the last time at Nalanda House on 9 September.

On Saturday 9 September, Nalandians gathered for the last time at Nalanda House to conduct a blessing ceremony before it was handed over to the contractors for demolition and reconstruction.  The ceremony began at 4.30pm with flag-raising to the chant of ‘Jayamangala Gatha’.

Nalanda officers including President Sis. Evelyn Chow, Director of Dhamma School Sis. Sunanda Ong, and Chairman of Building Committee Bro. Louis Chan, all spoke about the urgent need to expand facilities to accommodate more students coming to learn Dhamma.  They also expressed deep gratitude to all benefactors and donors who have supported the construction of Nalanda House twelve years ago, and who are now supporting its reconstruction to become ‘K. Sri Dhammananda Centre’.

Director of Dhamma School Sis. Sunanda Ong thanking everyone for supporting the project.

Nalanda founder Bro.Tan led the chanting of ‘parittas’, followed by the dedication of merits to all teachers, students, parents, benefactors and volunteers.  Both Buddhist and Nalanda flags were lowered for the last time at Nalanda House.  When the flags are next raised, it will be at the dawn of a new, ‘reincarnated’ facility – the ‘K. Sri Dhammananda Centre’ (KSDC).

Bro. Tan (front left) led everyone present in reciting ‘parittas’ before handing-over the facility.

Nalanda members immersed in chanting verses of blessings.

Dedication of merits to all benefactors of Nalanda House as well as to supporters of the new project.

The proposed ‘KSDC’ will be four times the size of Nalanda House (4,500 square feet compared to 1,035 square feet currently).  It will be able to comfortably accommodate 120 students or more.  Construction is expected to take 12 months, and be completed in September 2018.

Bro. Tan performing the traditional sprinkling of water after reciting the ‘parittas’.

Consultant architect Chang Yi Shin and engineer Chan Chee Woh (far left) sprinkling water, too.

Nalandians taking turns to perform the sprinkling of water to bless the project with success.

We urge the community to help us raise funds for this vital project for the Dhamma education of our present and future generations.  While this meritorious project is in progress, let us all generate good thoughts that the construction will progress smoothly, safely, and successfully.  Thank you and sadhu!

The ceremonial lowering of flags to conclude the last gathering at Nalanda House.

Nalandian youths, who are former students of Dhamma School, thanking Bro. Tan for his teachings over their growing years at the School.

Nalanda members look forward to the completion of the facility so that we can serve more people for a long time to come.  Sadhu!