Centre to examine proposal for Buddhist University in Ladakh: Ramdas Athawale

LEH: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has assured all possible support for the long-standing demand to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh, saying he would take up the proposal with the concerned authorities after acknowledging the region’s historical and cultural importance as one of India’s foremost centres of Buddhist learning.

The assurance came after the Buddhist Society of India (BSI) and representatives of Buddhist organisations submitted a memorandum seeking the establishment of a Buddhist University in Ladakh and greater institutional support for Buddhist education and cultural preservation. The memorandum described the proposed university as a long-pending aspiration of the Buddhist community and stressed its importance in safeguarding Ladakh’s rich spiritual heritage while promoting higher learning and research.

Athawale was addressing the State-Level Committee Meeting of the Buddhist Society of India, Ladakh State Branch, held at the Community Hall, Yangtse Yar Gya Tsogspa, Chubi Katpa, Leh. The meeting was chaired by BSI Trustee Chairman Dr. Chandrabhan (Modi) Patil and attended by religious leaders, public representatives, scholars and members of the Buddhist community.

Responding to the memorandum, the Union Minister said Ladakh possesses immense historical, cultural and spiritual significance in the Buddhist world and deserved an institution dedicated to advanced studies, research and the preservation of Buddhist traditions. He assured the gathering that the proposal would be taken up with the appropriate authorities for consideration.

Highlighting the legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Athawale recalled that the Buddhist Society of India was established in 1954 to propagate the teachings of Lord Buddha and advance the ideals of equality, peace and social justice. He also referred to the Government of India’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote India’s Buddhist heritage globally, describing Buddhism as an enduring cultural bridge between India and the world.

Former Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Rigzin Spalbar urged the Centre to establish the proposed university on the lines of the ancient Nalanda and Takshashila universities, arguing that such an institution would strengthen higher education, preserve Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage and position the region as an international hub for Buddhist studies and research.

National Trustee and President of the Buddhist Society of India, Rattan Somkuwar, said the organisation continues to work towards disseminating the teachings of Lord Buddha in accordance with the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Trustee Tsering Samphel expressed hope that Ladakh would host more national-level programmes of the Society to deepen collaboration among Buddhist organisations.

Representatives of the Buddhist Sangha reiterated that the establishment of a Buddhist University would fulfil a long-standing aspiration of the region while reinforcing Ladakh’s position as a global centre of Buddhist scholarship. They also expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for responding positively to the demand.

Among those present were Ladakh Buddhist Association (Leh) President Tsering Dorjey Lakruk, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Rigzin Spalbar, monks, scholars, nambardars, social activists and members of the public.