Leh, July 5: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday assured support for the long-pending proposal to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh during the State-Level Committee Meeting of the Buddhist Society of India (BSI) held in Leh.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Chandrabhan (Modi) Patil, was attended by senior Buddhist leaders, monks, scholars, public representatives and members of civil society.
A memorandum submitted by the BSI and various Buddhist organisations urged the Centre to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh, highlighting the region’s historic role as a centre of Buddhist learning and seeking greater support for Buddhist educational and cultural institutions.
Responding to the demand, Athawale assured that he would extend all possible support and take up the proposal with the concerned authorities, acknowledging Ladakh’s historical and cultural importance as a global centre of Buddhist heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister recalled the legacy of B. R. Ambedkar, who founded the Buddhist Society of India in 1954 to promote the teachings of Lord Buddha and the ideals of equality, peace and social justice. He also highlighted the Centre’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote India’s Buddhist heritage across the world.
Former Chief Executive Councillor Rigzin Spalbar urged the Government to establish the proposed university on the lines of the ancient Nalanda and Takshashila universities, saying it would preserve Ladakh’s Buddhist legacy, boost research and position the region as an international hub for Buddhist studies.
BSI National President Rattan Somkuwar reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to spreading Lord Buddha’s teachings and expressed confidence that the proposed university would emerge as a landmark institution for Buddhist education.
Leaders of the Buddhist community, including Tsering Dorjey Lakruk and Tsering Samphel, welcomed the Union Minister and called for the early establishment of the university to strengthen Buddhist education, research and cultural preservation in Ladakh.
