BY TC News Desk
Agartala Nov 29: The World Buddhist Pope Association of South Korea’s Shakya Gasan laid the foundation stone of International Buddhist University in the South Tripura’s Manu Bankul in Sabroom.
The plaque of the first ever such University in the country was unveiled today at Durganagar area of West Jalefar, Sabroom under the initiative of Bahujana Hitaya Education Trust, Manu Bankul in presence of 25 Buddhist monks from seven different countries.The North-eastern state of Tripura is going to have the first ever Buddhist-run university in India that will offer education in the faith while also running courses in other disciplines of modern education.
Initially, the state government allotted 25 acres of land for the University Campus. However, an agreement has been made to give about 200 acres of land in the future.Dhammapiya, Secretary of International Buddhist Confederation and Founder-Chairman of Bahujan Hitaya Education Trust said, “Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University will be the first Buddhist University in India to be headed by Buddhist Monastics and run and monitored by Buddhists. This university will set an example in the history of Indian Buddhism for the promotion and revitalization of Buddhist culture.”
The institution, he hoped, will offer insight and depth on Buddhism, a better understanding of the contemporary world and also prepare students and youth with knowledge and skills so that they can lead a healthy, peaceful and satisfying life.DDIBU will enable students from 50 countries to get a chance to study as well as research Buddhist tradition, culture and literature. Besides Buddhist studies, the campus of the proposed university will also house medical, technical and general degree colleges.
Speaking at the event, the chief monk from Korea said that Buddhism had a special relationship with India in the past. Korea’s relationship with India has been further strengthened by unveiling the plaque of Dhammadipa Buddhist International University today. Speaking on the occasion, special guest MLA Shankar Roy said that the dream of this International Buddhist University is going to be fulfilled with the special efforts of former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. Dr. Dhammapiya, chairman of Bahujan Hitaya Trust said that this university will follow the guidelines of UGC of India. He sought everyone’s cooperation in making this international Buddhist university. The students of different schools presented beautiful cultural programs on the occasion.Though Dalai Lama was not able to attend the programme, but he had sent a special message on the auspicious occasion.It was on September 26 this year that the Tripura Assembly had passed a bill for establishing this University.
