Have you ever witnessed a ceremony that beautifully weaves together ancient traditions with modern environmental consciousness? At Khon Kaen University, this remarkable fusion recently came to life in a way that’s inspiring students and educators across Thailand to rethink how gratitude and sustainability can grow hand in hand.
Khon Kaen University’s 2025 Wai Kru Ceremony: Where Tradition Meets Environmental Stewardship
On Thursday, July 31, 2024, at 09:30 a.m., Khon Kaen University organized the Wai Kru Ceremony for Academic Year 2025 under the compelling theme “Grow Green, Grow Together: Gratitude for Sustainability” at the Golden Jubilee Convention Hall. The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, and brought together university executives, distinguished guests, and students in what attendees described as a warm and respectful atmosphere.
This innovative approach aimed to preserve the cherished Thai cultural tradition of honoring teachers while simultaneously paying tribute to past and present educators. However, what set this year’s ceremony apart was its seamless integration of environmental consciousness through dedicated tree planting and conservation activities across the campus grounds.
Beyond Tradition: A Vision for Sustainable Education
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul emphasized that this year’s Wai Kru ceremony had been creatively reimagined to retain its profound cultural meaning while powerfully reflecting themes of gratitude and sustainability. As a result, the event became much more than a traditional academic gathering.
“This year’s concept integrates the traditional values of respect and appreciation for teachers with environmental responsibility. It symbolizes the bond between teachers—who nurture and guide students, like tender seedlings—and the students themselves, who will grow into strong trees contributing to society. At the same time, it highlights our shared responsibility to care for the Earth, fostering harmony between humanity and nature, and promoting a spirit of cooperation and unity within the university.”
The EGGS Model: Cultivating Sustainable Focus
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, explained that this initiative reflects KKU’s core institutional identity, with sustainability education taking center stage. The university’s commitment runs deeper than surface-level environmental awareness.
“We aim to instill a distinct identity among Khon Kaen University students through the EGGS model, where the ‘S’ stands for Sustainable Focus,” she noted. “This year’s theme underscores gratitude toward parents, teachers, and the planet—reminding us to cherish and sustain the environment for present and future generations.”
Student Innovation Takes the Spotlight
The ceremony also featured the winner of the EGGS Identity Logo Design Contest, Mr. Jetsadaporn Thumma, a talented student from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. His winning design thoughtfully incorporates four core attributes: creativity (represented by a gear), global knowledge, growth (symbolized by an upward arrow and tree), and sustainability (depicted as a leaf).
“I am delighted to contribute to promoting sustainable values among students,” Jetsadaporn shared. “This project raises awareness about environmental responsibility and social entrepreneurship.” His enthusiasm reflects a growing trend among Thai students who are eager to blend artistic expression with environmental advocacy.
Celebrating Through Action: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The event concluded with a series of meaningful activities that reinforced both cultural appreciation and environmental commitment. For example, attendees participated in a choral performance of “Phra Khun Tee Sam,” followed by traditional offerings of floral garlands and ceremonial trays to honor their teachers.
Furthermore, the program featured an engaging Edutainment Talk Show on “ECO Life Application” presented by popular actor and host Top Pipat Apirakthanakorn. This approach demonstrates how environmental education through entertainment can effectively reach younger audiences and make sustainability concepts more accessible and memorable.
The ceremony culminated in a hands-on tree-planting activity around the convention center, allowing participants to literally plant seeds for the future while reinforcing the event’s sustainability theme through direct environmental action.
A Blueprint for Educational Innovation
Khon Kaen University’s 2025 Wai Kru Ceremony proves that honoring tradition and embracing innovation aren’t mutually exclusive goals. By weaving environmental stewardship into the fabric of cultural celebration, the university has created a powerful model that other institutions can adapt and emulate. This thoughtful integration of gratitude, education, and environmental responsibility offers a compelling pathway forward—one where students learn to cherish both their cultural heritage and the planet they’ll inherit. As these young minds grow green and grow together, they’re not just receiving an education; they’re actively shaping a more sustainable future for all.
