Hosting of Birthday Party for 2021 Winter Season at FGS South Island
On 13th June 2021, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island held a Birthday Party for 2021 Winter Season for its members at the Water Drop Cafe. 65 people consisted of members and Directors of BLIA South Island were at the Birthday Party to celebrate the birthdays of 14 members whose birthdays fall in the months of June, July and August. The oldest birthday star of the Party was the 100-year-old Professor Tang Yu-Hsun who was accompanied by his wife Chang Hui Ying.
At the Birthday Party, BLIA members sang the birthday song for the birthday stars and presented a birthday cake specially made by Water Drop Café. This was followed by the screening of a short film produced by Master Hsing Yun: A Touched Heart. Due to Professor Tang’s immense popularity, 15 of his friends from Hwa Hsin Society CHCH also attended the Birthday Party to celebrate his birthday. Although Professor Tang is 100 years old, he is still full of vigour and has thick hair and a strong body. Since he migrated to New Zealand in 1995, Professor Tang has been actively promoting Chinese culture, Calligraphy and martial art of Tai Chi, enabling many New Zealanders from all walks of life to learn and experience the essence of Chinese culture. In 2014, Professor Tang set history as the first Chinese Calligrapher to hold a solo Exhibition at the century old Canterbury Museum. Professor Tang had also written the official Chinese names for the City of Christchurch and the Canterbury Tourism Board and for the famous tourist attractions in the Region. All these have helped in the promotion of tourism of Christchurch and Canterbury to the World.
In her address to the gathering, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) New Zealand Abbess Venerable Manshin mentioned that, throughout his life, Professor Tang Yu-Hsun has produced a lot of Chinese paintings and calligraphies. Professor is full of creativity and has served the Society well and is therefore a role model for Chinese people in New Zealand. With all his achievements, Professor Tang has left behind a wealth of wisdom and experiences. Abbess Manshin also pointed out that, living in this World, we must be filled with motivations and good intentions. Birthday Party is a manifestation of joys and blessings, and it exudes a sense of beauty and kindness. As immigrants in New Zealand, we must make contributions to the Society and the Country. As BLIA members, we must work even harder to provide services and commitments to create a harmonious Society.
At the Birthday Party, the attendees were treated to rich food and refreshments. At the end of the day, the participants complimented the organiser for the delicious food and refreshments served and the wonderful activities organised, so that they were able to gather together to exchange blessings and enjoy a pleasant afternoon together.