Venerable Rahula cutting a special cake to mark the golden jubilee of UPM Buddhist Society.

On Saturday 1 October, the UPM Buddhist Society (PBUPM) celebrated its 50th anniversary with an appreciation dinner in Shah Alam attended by its members, past and present.  The society was established in 1966 by staff members of then College of Agriculture Malaya, which was upgraded in 1973 to University of Agriculture Malaysia (in Malay, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia or UPM). In 1998, its name changed again to Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Nalanda founder Bro. Tan attended the ceremony with two Nalandian youths to lend support to PBUPM. They were warmly welcomed by the organisers of the anniversary celebration.  Also in attendance were the President of UPM Buddhist Society Alumni (PBUPM-A) Sis. Hui Fang, representatives from the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM), and members from other university Buddhist societies. Venerable Rahula Thero represented the Spiritual Adviser of PBUPM, Ven. Sri Dhammaratana, who was unable to attend.

Bro. Tan welcomed by the President of PBUPM Cheah Xiao Ying (right) and organisers of the anniversary celebration.

Bro. Tan presenting books to the President of PBUPM Sis. Xiao Ying (left) and President of PBUPM Alumni Club Sis. Hui Fang (right).

Bro. Tan congratulated the society on its 50th anniversary, saying that it is an enviable milestone for its members.  He further encouraged its leaders to continue their efforts to strengthen Buddhist fellowship and enhance the quality of activities on campus to attract more undergraduates to learn Dhamma.

The audience amused by a funny sketch put up by members of PBUPM.

Nalanda Buddhist Society has been consistently supporting Dhamma propagation in colleges and universities for the past decade.  It is important to support the growth of Buddhist societies on campus to ensure the emergence of quality Buddhist leaders and followers in future generations. We wish PBUPM a joyous celebration of its golden jubilee in 2016!  Sadhu anumodana.