During a recent event held today to welcome Dr. Lyharkyal Lama, Vice President of the Lumbini Development Trust, representatives from both Lumbini Buddhist University and the Development Trust emphasized the need for collaboration between the two organizations.
Dr. Lyharkyal Lama, Vice President of the Lumbini Development Trust, highlighted the potential for the development of Buddhist philosophy and education to attract tourists. He pledged the Development Fund’s commitment to playing a leading role in advancing the university, emphasizing that the university’s establishment was made possible under the fund’s leadership. Lama stressed that responsibility for the university’s development lies squarely with the Fund.
In pursuit of their shared goals, Lama called for the two institutions to work together to draw educational and religious tourists to Lumbini. He stated, “The Development Fund will allocate budget resources to support the university’s development,” and added that the Fund’s income, following the implementation of the master plan, would be reinvested in the university. Lama expressed the Fund’s dedication to advancing Buddhist education.
Prof. Dr. Suvarnlal Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor of the University, expressed his optimism about collaborating with the Development Fund in steering the university towards growth. He mentioned that the process of forming a board of trustees for the university’s development had already commenced, with the aim of transforming the institution into an international university. Prof. Bajracharya also discussed seeking support from foreign countries to bolster Buddhist education and underscored the necessity of the Development Fund’s stewardship for educational progress.
Dr. Tilakram Acharya, the university’s registrar, voiced concerns about the recent inactivity of the Development Fund, despite its pivotal role in the university’s establishment. He urged the Fund to take the lead in advancing the university, particularly in the fields of Buddhist studies and archaeology. Acharya reminded attendees that the Lumbini Development Trust Council had agreed to allocate 5 percent of the Development Fund’s income to the university and called upon Vice President Lama to implement this decision. He also advocated for the university’s representation in the Fund’s council to strengthen the connection between the two institutions.
During the event, Basanta Bidari, the head professor of the Archaeology Department, expressed his concerns about Lumbini not living up to its spiritual potential as Buddha’s birthplace. He emphasized the need for it to embody the essence of Lumbini.
Dr. Nyima Sherpa, head of the Bhot Studies Department, urged the Development Fund to invest in mainstreaming Bhot Buddhism students into the education system.
The event was chaired by University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Suvarna Lal Bajracharya and presided over by branch officer Churamani Pokharele. It saw participation from university officials, monks, and lamas.
