[India] 30th Anniversary Celebration of Sujata Academy in India
On January 24th, Sujata Academy in India celebrated its 30th anniversary. The ceremony was attended by Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, over 500 members of a pilgrimage group, contributors who have supported the Academy throughout its journey, local residents, and students. The students of Sujata Academy and the JTS staff meticulously prepared the ceremony to express their gratitude to those who paved the way for the Academy’s journey.
For the 30th anniversary celebration, many guests who visited Sujata Academy were warmly welcomed by Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, the chairman of JTS, who personally greeted them on the school grounds.
Dr. Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa, the founder of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) from Thailand, was also in attendance. Venerable Pomnyun Sunim gave Dr. Sivaraksa a tour of various parts of Sujata Academy and explained the history of JTS in India as they toured the JTS promotional hall together.
Additionally, a memorial service was held for the late Seol Seongbong, who had served at Sujata Academy and was tragically killed during a school break in.
Part 1: 30th Anniversary Ceremony
The anniversary celebration was divided into three parts: an anniversary ceremony, a commemorative seminar, and a celebration. The first part, the anniversary ceremony, featured speeches by distinguished guests and performances by the students.
The event began with a video showcasing the 30-year history of Sujata Academy, followed by welcoming remarks from Priyapal Sunim, the chairman of JTS India. Subsequent speeches were given by Nand Kishore, the Minister of Tourism for Bihar, Song Jin-hwa, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in India, Priya Deep Sunim, former chief of the Indian Bhikkhu Sangha Association, and Dr. Sulak Sivaraksa, the founder of INEB.
Between the speeches, Sujata Academy students entertained the audience with lively traditional performances and a Taekwondo demonstration.
The last segment featured Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and activists who have served Sujata Academy over the past 30 years coming on stage. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim individually acknowledged each person, highlighting their contributions and expressing gratitude.
Namaste! Sujata Academy is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The academy as it stands today wasn’t built overnight; it’s the result of the efforts of many individuals. I extend my deepest thanks to the students who regularly attend school, the parents who send their children to school, and our supporters from Korea who have generously contributed.
When I first came to Dungeshwari, many children were begging in the streets. When I asked why they were begging, they said there was no school.
At that time, the village head was Sukhan Manji. He gathered the villagers to discuss the issue of children begging. After deliberation, we decided to build a school. I said to the villagers, “These are your children; shouldn’t you also do something?” Ten villagers each donated ten kathas of land. When we gathered the young people of the village, we found only two who were attending school. Before the school was built, these two served as the first teachers, teaching under a tree. They were Mr. Satendar and Mr. Ganesh.
Next, Vinai and Nares from Bodh Gaya provided support. They also served as directors of JTS India and consistently sponsored us.
Today, Dr. B.K. Burma could not attend, but he has greatly helped in taking care of the students’ health and establishing Jivaka Hospital. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I would like to express my gratitude to these individuals once again. Please give them a round of applause.
And while I was on my way, I met Suresh, a young man at the time. He mentioned he lived in Sankissa. When I suggested, “How about you take charge of this school?” he gladly agreed. Thus, Suresh became the inaugural secretary-general of JTS and the principal of Sujata Academy. During his tenure, he built an elementary school, a dormitory, and a temple. Also, many young people from Sankissa came to volunteer. They were in their early twenties back then, but now they have all grown older. Subash, a youth who worked with Suresh, built Jivaka Hospital.
Dhammapala taught Sanskrit to children here.
Ajay did voluntary work here for five years. Young people from Bodh Gaya also volunteered extensively here. Prejesh, Ravi, and Rakesh also did voluntary work here.
Thanks to these individuals, we were able to establish Sujata Academy and Jivaka Hospital. Please give them a round of applause.
Also, for the first time from Korea, Ven. Seonju came to India. She took on the role of the second secretary-general and worked for six years. Following her, Ven. Yeogwang became the third secretary-general and served in India for ten years.
Jeong-jun Kim served as the fourth secretary-general for ten years. Shin-ah Kim took on the role of the fifth secretary-general while serving for eight years. Lastly, Ven. Bogwang has been the secretary-general for the past ten years.
Additionally, over 150 Koreans volunteered for more than a year. Only a few of them were able to come from Korea. Soo-jin Lee created all the cultural programs in the early days of Sujata Academy and also composed the school anthem.
Dong-hoon Kim was in charge of village development and the hospital here. He is currently the head of a major relief organization in Korea. Seong-won Kang worked here for two years and is now working as a researcher at Greenpeace. Bo-mi Yoo also served here for two years. Representing the 150 individuals who could not all come, these few have attended.
Next, I will introduce the past principals of the school. The first was Suresh, followed by Priyanka. The third principal was Hye-won Kim, the fourth was Se-hyung Lee, and the fifth was Shin-ah Kim. Priyanka then returned as the sixth principal, and currently, Geum-rye Bong is serving as the principal.
The staff members who are currently working could not be introduced here today due to their duties. The Sujata Academy of today has been made possible because of their hard work. Once again, please give them a big round of applause.
On behalf of the past secretaries-general, we heard a greeting from Suresh. Suresh delivered his greeting in Korean.
“Thanks to Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, flowers are blooming in Dungeshwari. It’s not easy for connections from the past 30 years to come together in one place like this. I am really happy and pleased to meet everyone. I would also like to express my gratitude to the many people who have been part of Sujata Academy but could not be here today. It would be great if you could continue to support Sujata Academy’s growth. Thank you to everyone who has supported us from Korea and India up until now.”
Finally, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim gave closing remarks.
“Thank you to all the seniors of the village for watching over us during the past 30 years. I am also grateful to everyone who supported us from Bodh Gaya. A heartfelt thank you to our financial supporters from Korea who have been consistently backing us. Special thanks to Dr. Ajan Sulak Sivaraksa, who, despite his advanced age, came here to give a speech. I am also grateful to In-do Joo, the Consul General from the Korean Embassy in India, for attending in person. Once again, thank you to the many volunteers who have served at Sujata Academy and took the time to visit us on this 30th anniversary despite their busy schedules.
Students! It is because of the efforts of so many people that you are able to study. Please send a round of applause in gratitude to all who have helped make your education possible.”
“Danyabad! (Thank you!)”
“I hope that all of you will continue to study hard in the future. Parents, you must be proud of your children. Children who were begging on the streets have become students at Sujata Academy. They are the same individuals but look how much they have changed! This is the power of education. The Buddha taught that anyone, regardless of class or gender, can become a great person through education and enlightenment. So, do not be timid or live humbly; live boldly like the Buddha. I look forward to continuing this journey with you all. Thank you.”
The celebration concluded with a commemorative performance by the students.
After lunch, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and distinguished guests toured the JTS India exhibition hall, reflecting on its history.
Part 2: 30th Anniversary commemorative seminar
At 2 PM, the 30th anniversary commemorative seminar began in the Prakbodhi Hall. This was a time to reflect on the past 30 years of Sujata Academy’s history and to discuss future directions. Approximately 700 people, including Dr. Sulak, INEB officials, pilgrims, alumni, and current students, participated in this significant gathering.
Sukan Manji, who was the village head of Durgapur when Sujata Academy was first built, opened the seminar by speaking about the significance of the academy. Even after 30 years, he continues to wholeheartedly support and watch over the academy.
The seminar attendees then watched a video chronicling the 30-year journey of Sujata Academy. The video featured numerous personal stories that unfolded into an inspiring historical narrative.
The first presentation focused on “The 30-Year Journey of Sujata Academy,” examining the projects and achievements of the academy over the years.
The 30-Year Miracle Created by Sujata Academy
Ven. Seonju, the former second secretary-general of India JTS, presented on the “Vision, Values, and
Achievements of Sujata Academy.” In 1993, the illiteracy rate in the village of Dungeshwari was 99%. However, since the establishment of Sujata Academy, most school-age children have graduated from elementary school, and illiteracy has been almost eradicated. Instead, individuals are transforming into contributors in various sectors such as hospitals, schools, and village development.
Next, Ven. Yeogwang, the third secretary-general, presented on “The Development Process and Volunteer Management at Sujata Academy.”
“Since the opening of Jivaka Hospital in 2004, approximately 240,000 people have received medical treatments. We have been conducting about 1,000 consultations each month. We started tuberculosis testing in 1998 and have since been conducting regular TB screenings every month, managing medication, and providing nutritional support. Now, we have integrated the Indian government’s tuberculosis management system to aid in the full recovery of our patients. Currently, most of the tuberculosis patients in the village have been cured.”
Since 2005, the maternal and child health project was initiated to provide vaccinations and nutritional supplements for pregnant women and newborns, along with hygiene and health education during pregnancy and childbirth. In particular, we have been monitoring underweight infants to provide them with special nutritional support. Thanks to these efforts, the infant mortality rate has significantly decreased.
Access to clean water is essential for human survival. In the village development sector, over the past 30 years, we have installed 59 hand pumps and conducted repairs 100 times a year. Additionally, agricultural pumps have been installed to assist the residents with their farming activities.
JTS has been able to carry out so many activities all thanks to the volunteers. Through the efforts of these volunteers, children who once begged in the streets are now studying at Sujata Academy, growing up to become youths who serve as teachers and staff in schools, hospitals, and village development sectors. Now, beyond Dungeshwari, they are reaching out to help others in different regions of India and neighboring countries during disasters. Those who once received help have become those who give help, turning into admirable individuals who save themselves and the world. The power of education as the most potent force is proven by the 30-year history of Sujata Academy. Sujata Academy has shown the miraculous possibility that the children of Dungeshwari can become a hope for the world.
Next, Priyanka and Subash discussed “The Operational Process and Achievements of Sujata Academy.” Subash is a Shakya who originally came to Sujata Academy 25 years ago, driven by curiosity after hearing that foreigners were educating the “untouchables.” Since then, he has been a dedicated volunteer, contributing to the Academy’s ongoing efforts.
The second presentation was a time to hear personal stories. During this session, Indian and Korean volunteers shared their experiences, reflecting on the past 30 years of service at the Academy.
During the seminar, Satendar, a former teacher at Sujata Academy and now a community leader, shared insights on the “Transformation of Dungeshwari through Sujata Academy.” Ajay, who is currently the vice principal of Sujata Academy, narrated his journey from being a student at the academy to becoming a staff member of JTS India. Dinesh, another JTS India staff member, recounted how his family’s life has been transformed through their association with Sujata Academy.
Following these accounts, Nilam, a graduate of Sujata Academy who now works as a secondary school teacher, presented on the topic “The Impact of Sujata Academy on My Life.”
“I attended kindergarten in Kanahol village, beyond the mountains. I transferred to Sujata Academy in third grade and continued there until I graduated in tenth grade. Currently, I am a teacher at a government-run elementary school. I am the eldest daughter among six children in my family. With the help of Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and my parents, I was able to study at Sujata Academy. I continued my studies at home after school. Of course, there were many difficulties when studying at home. However, the lessons I learned at Sujata Academy gave me a lot of strength. My independence and current job are all thanks to JTS. I was just a child from a poor rural village, but with the help of JTS, I have become someone who educates children like I once was.”
Sujata Academy, The Place That Made Me Independent
“At Sujata Academy, I learned more than just academics. I learned that all the students are our family, and indeed, that everyone in society is part of our family. That’s why I still bow with gratitude when I meet my seniors. I also learned that one must take responsibility for their own tasks. When I was a student, there were often not enough teachers. Sometimes, when teachers were not available, we studied on our own through self-study. Despite this, we managed to excel in our studies and have come this far. I believe that it is because of these experiences that I am able to work as a teacher today.”
When I was attending school, I often listened to the teachings of Ven. Pomnyun Sunim. The teachings are still etched in my heart and continue to help me today. For example, the lessons like ‘finish all the food on your plate’ and ‘apologize when you have done something wrong’ are the things I learned at Sujata Academy. I am still imperfect and sometimes fail to practice these teachings. I can’t sleep until I have repented because I feel relieved and can only sleep after I have apologized to the person I wronged.
From my time at the academy, I also learned to respect elders and take good care of my parents. In government-run schools, there are people who are paid to do various jobs, but at Sujata Academy, the students did everything themselves. There was also a beautiful teaching that one should plant a tree on their birthday or any other memorable day, which I have learned here and now teach to my students. I continue to strive to practice what I’ve learned. These days, many families do not take proper care of their in-laws, but because of the education I received here, I take good care of my in-laws as well.
In India, it has become difficult to work elsewhere after getting a job, but I still want to come and work at Sujata Academy. I want to dedicate my body, my heart, and everything I have. I want to share what I possess with all of you beautiful people.”
Ranjit, who is now working after graduation, shared his story of transformation through Sujata Academy. Kamiswal, who has long served as the village doctor at Jivaka Hospital, shared how the hospital has brought change to Dungeshwari. Finally, Seong-won Kang from Korea, who volunteered at Sujata Academy in 2004, discussed the impact of that experience on his life.
After a brief break, the third presentation continued. The topic was “The Achievements and Prospects of Sujata Academy from an Indian Perspective,” presented by Priyen Ranzan Dial, the chairman of the Gaya YMCA. The fourth presentation was given by Anchali, an executive member of INEB (International Network of Engaged Buddhists), who discussed “Practicing Engaged Buddhism through Sujata Academy.”
After sharing diverse stories for three and a half hours, everyone at the seminar held the same sense of gratitude towards Sujata Academy. As the seminar concluded, Ven. Plmnyun Sunim gave a summary speech.
“I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to making Sujata Academy what it is today over the past 30 years. If we were to write down the story of each student, village resident, and teacher, it would fill a book with all the twists and turns of their lives. Sujata Academy itself has faced many challenges to reach this point.
The children are our hope
“It was difficult at the time, but in hindsight, it was just part of the process. There will be many challenges ahead. Just as we have faced difficulties over the past 30 years, we will continue to move forward no matter what challenges arise. Any difficulties we encounter will be far easier than the Buddha’s six years of ascetic practice. I look forward to continuing to move forward with all of you. The children are our hope.”
After the seminar ended, school alumni approached Ven. Pomnyun Sunim to greet him. Once young and adorable students, they are now dignified adults, respectfully greeting Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, with some even becoming teary-eyed.
After the seminar ended, school alumni approached Ven. Pomnyun Sunim to greet him. Once young and adorable students, they are now dignified adults, respectfully greeting Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, with some even becoming teary-eyed.
Vinai, who had driven Ven. Pomnyun Sunim on his motorcycle daily from Bodh Gaya to Dungeshwari when the school was first being built, called from Japan to catch up.
Part 3: The 30th Anniversary Celebration
As the day progressed and the sun set, it was time to begin the third part of the event. Held in Prakbodhi Hall, the 30th-anniversary celebration was a time to share gratitude. The Shakya, Indian staff, and Korean activists took turns coming to the stage to offer greetings and express their thanks.
Samboo Kumar’s heartfelt letter of gratitude resonated deeply with many attendees.
“My name is Samboo Kumar. I have been part of Sujata Academy since I attended kindergarten there starting in 1997, and now I serve as a practitioner at India JTS. Since my childhood, I have eaten, studied, and now volunteer at Sujata Academy. I am deeply grateful to Ven. Pomnyun Sunim who has nurtured me all these years
“When I was young, my family’s situation was not good, and I never had a full meal every day. Once I started studying at Sujata Academy, I could eat properly, wear clothes, and receive medicine when I was sick. At that time, our village also lacked drinking water, and there was no clean water available. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim installed hand pumps in each village so that we could have clean water at home. I believe I have come this far thanks to Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, and I bow my head in gratitude once again.
When I was in the seventh grade, I started living in the dormitory at the school. A tragic incident occurred around that time. Just before dark, some people broke into the school and with a gun, they killed Seol Seongbong, a practitioner who was helping us. It was a very sad and worrying time. I thought, ‘Now we might not be able to study anymore,’ but even in such difficult circumstances, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim continued to help us and made it possible for us to study. That support allowed me to become a practitioner at JTS India today.”
“Ven. Pomnyun Sunim didn’t just change my life. I believe he has been a great light to the entire Dungeshwari area. What JTS has done here is something that even the government has yet to achieve. I deeply thank JTS and the members of the Jungto Society.”
Samboo’s letter touched many people at the event.
After a moving tribute, representatives from various departments adorned Ven. Pomnyun Sunim with a garland of flowers. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim then shared his concluding remarks.
“As you have seen, the existence of Sujata Academy is the result of everyone’s efforts. The villagers donated parts of their land, local youths and others from as far away as Sankasia came to volunteer, and students taught each other, with seniors guiding juniors. Many donors from Korea have contributed, and over 150 people from Korea volunteered here, with some staying as long as ten years. All of these elements have come together to bring us to this point. While the human body has many organs, people often recognize only the face. However, every part of the body is essential. I have only played the role of the face, but it is because of many people that today’s Sujata Academy exists. I sincerely thank everyone who has served and donated their efforts and would like to dedicate this garland to them.”
Everyone then joined hands and walked to the field for the final program of the event, the fireworks display. This moment underscored the value of community and togetherness. Watching the fireworks burst into the sky, the attendees reflected on the significance of the past 30 years, marking the conclusion of the anniversary celebration.
