CIBS renews tripartite MoU with ITBP, UoL for Tibetology course

LEH: The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar, has renewed its tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the University of Ladakh to strengthen academic collaboration in Tibetology and related areas.

The renewed agreement will primarily facilitate a six-week Tibetology course for ITBP officers, aimed at providing them with a broader understanding of Tibetan history, culture, religion, philosophy, language, traditions and the socio-cultural context of the Himalayan region.

The initiative is intended to deepen the officers’ academic and cultural understanding of the region in which they perform their professional duties, while creating a structured platform for interaction with scholars and subject experts.

The MoU was signed by Prof Rajesh Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, CIBS, in the presence of Dr Tsering Choldan, Deputy Registrar, CIBS. Representing the ITBP, Dr Akun Sabharwal, Inspector General, signed the agreement in the presence of Chandra Sharma, Deputy Inspector General.

Prof Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, signed the MoU on behalf of the university in the presence of its Dean Research, Dean Academic and Dean Student Welfare.

The renewed agreement provides a framework for academic collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building, particularly in Tibetology, Buddhist studies, Himalayan culture, and the historical and socio-cultural traditions of the region, according to CIBS.

Through the six-week course, ITBP officers will have an opportunity to engage with academicians, scholars and subject experts and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Himalayan region.

The three institutions said the collaboration would also support future academic programmes, training initiatives, research cooperation and exchange of knowledge and expertise. The renewal comes as part of the institutions’ efforts to develop specialised academic knowledge with practical relevance for personnel serving in Himalayan border areas.