Meak Bochea is a Cambodian public holiday where all public and private institutions are off work. Similarly, the Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) was not in operation; however yesterday (February 19, 2019), its students, teachers, staffs, and faculty members were on campus to organize the national celebration. Meak Bochea or Makha Bucha is known as the final sermon given by Buddha to cease from all evil, to do good, and to clean the mind.

As a Buddhist follower, Ms. Ros Sokna, a year 2 student in Teaching English as a Second Language, was ready to join the event. Dressing in a traditional white shirt, Sokna brought herself some lessons and poems she had learned in class together with her friends to cheer the day. “I will be here till the end to witness most followers,” said Sokna in her excitement. 

Though it is was his first time to join the event,  Mr. Lay Kemhong in his 2^nd year of International Relations felt proud to see the crowd. In to his statement, Kemhong said he had rarely seen any educational institution conduct religious events. “I can say PUC is the most active university where the Buddhist can attend any celebration,” said Kemhong. In his last remarks, he wished to see the continuation of events done in the PUC as well as other educational institutions, so that the students are well informed about the national religious days. Having peace of mind after participating in the event, Kemhong would invite his family to join next year as they are Buddhist practitioners.