Patna University (PU) to tie up with Buddhist nations
by Pranava K Chaudhary, TNN, Jan 10, 2016
Patna, India -- Patna University will soon collaborate with Buddhist countries to promote Buddhist studies, which will bring the university on international radar. For this purpose, an international meet will be held here later this year, in which several Asian delegates are expected to be present.
Chairman of Buddhist Monuments Development Council (BMDC) Arvind Alok on Saturday met Patna University VC Y C Simhadri to chalk out details of this plan. Alok told TOI that Mongolian ambassador has agreed to support Patna University in this regard.
Alok met the PU VC at his residential office, during which he appreciated the interest of latter's wife, who is of Japanese origin, in the proposed collaboration. Mongolian ambassador G Gonbold confirmed his participation in the proposed meet during his talks with the PU VC and Alok over phone from New Delhi.
"Such activities will also play a vital role in promotion of educational environment in the university. Since ancient Patliputra had a rich legacy of Buddhist tradition, there will be peace and right educational atmosphere on the campus," Alok told TOI. The international meet in the university would be attended by ambassadors of Buddhist countries and eminent scholars.
Patna University VC Simhadri is also very keen on promoting the university in the international arena. BMDC will facilitate the university in establishing academic collaborations with various Buddhist countries. Buddhist countries have a natural interest in ancient Patliputra and their governments are willing to support Patna University, Alok said.
To encourage Buddhists from across the country, Patna University VC was also advised to establish an international Buddhist studies chair in the university. The chair will include study of Buddhist issues related to Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Korea and Mongolia.