“Hemwadi Phithak”: From a Royal Residence of Cherished Memories to a Foundation of Knowledge and Innovation
Honoring the Legacy of Her Royal Highness Princess Hemwadi and the Enduring Historical Bonds with the College of Innovation and Management, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
✦ Amid the serene surroundings and captivating historical charm of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University stands a building that serves not merely as a place of learning, but also as a treasured repository of stories from the past. It connects the royal heritage of Thailand with the lives of people in the present day. This remarkable place is Hemwadi Phithak Building, also known as Building 37, which is home to the College of Innovation and Management.
From a Royal Residence in Suan Sunandha to Memories That Never Fade
✦ Looking back through history, this site was once the location of the royal residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Hemwadi, a daughter of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) and Chao Chom Manda Hem (Royal Consort Hem). The Princess was born on January 12, 1892.
✦ When Suan Sunandha was developed as a residential compound for female members of the Royal Family, Princess Hemwadi took up residence in a royal mansion within its grounds, together with her mother, Chao Chom Manda Hem. The residence was therefore more than simply a royal dwelling. It was a place that preserved the cherished bond between mother and daughter, while reflecting the traditions and daily life of the royal inner court during an important period in Thai history.
✦ Princess Hemwadi was known for her interest in the arts, craftsmanship, and creative pursuits. Accounts of her life reflect her refined sensibilities, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication to artistic creation. These qualities continue to offer meaningful inspiration for contemporary education, creativity, and innovation.
“Hemwadi Phithak”: A Name That Preserves a Precious Legacy
✦ As time passed, Suan Sunandha underwent significant transformations. The original royal residence witnessed historical changes and sustained damage during World War II. It was subsequently demolished, and a new building was constructed on the same site to accommodate the expansion of educational activities.
✦ Yet one important legacy has been carefully preserved: the name of Princess Hemwadi. The building was named “Hemwadi Phithak” in her honor, serving as a lasting tribute to the Princess and a reminder to future generations of the profound historical roots of this remarkable place.
✦ Although its architectural appearance has changed with the passage of time, its sentimental and historical significance continues to endure. What was once a peaceful and elegant royal residence has become a vibrant center of education, where the memories of the past remain intertwined with the aspirations of the present.
From a Heritage of the Past to a Future of Innovation
✦ Today, Hemwadi Phithak Building (Building 37) houses the College of Innovation and Management, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, an educational institution dedicated to developing students' knowledge, professional competencies, creativity, and management skills to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.
✦ Within this building, classrooms are more than spaces for the transmission of knowledge. They are places where dreams take shape, determination grows, and opportunities emerge for students to build their futures. Every lesson, every activity, and every achievement becomes part of a new chapter being written upon grounds enriched by a long and distinguished history.
✦ The true beauty of Hemwadi Phithak Building lies not merely in its name, but in its ability to bring together the values of the past and the promise of the future. Once a place associated with royal heritage, it has evolved into a center for nurturing human potential, advancing knowledge, and creating innovations that benefit society.
Enduring Bonds and a Shared Sense of Pride
✦ For the administrators, faculty members, staff, and students of the College of Innovation and Management, Hemwadi Phithak Building is far more than a workplace or an academic facility. It is a home of learning that nurtures friendship, unity, belonging, and pride in being part of the Suan Sunandha family.
✦ The name of Princess Hemwadi, prominently associated with this building, serves as an enduring connection between present generations and the institution's historical origins. It reminds everyone of the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage while embracing creativity, progress, and new possibilities.
✦ From its early days as a royal residence to its present role as a center of learning, Hemwadi Phithak Building remains a witness to the passage of time. It reminds us that, no matter how much a place may change, the stories, memories, and values embedded within it can continue to inspire generations to come.
History Does Not Belong Only to the Past; It Lives On in Every Step We Take Today
✦ Every time students walk through the doors of Hemwadi Phithak Building, every time faculty members share their knowledge, and every time staff members work together to advance the College's mission, they collectively contribute to writing a new chapter in the history of this treasured place.
✦ Hemwadi Phithak Building is therefore much more than Building 37. It stands as a symbol of remembrance, pride, and the enduring transmission of cherished values from the past into the future.
✦ And for as long as the voices of learning continue to resonate within its walls, the name and legacy of Princess Hemwadi will remain alive in the hearts and memories of the College of Innovation and Management community, passed down with pride and affection from one generation to the next.
“From a Royal Residence of Yesterday to an Institution of Creativity Today — For the Beautiful Foundations of the Past Are the Driving Force That Leads Us Toward the Future.”
