Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) was established in Lumbini by the LBU Ordinance in 2004, and endorsed by the LBU Act in 2006 in response to the 1st World Buddhist Summit held in Lumbini in 1998. Internalizing the teachings of Buddha, it is dedicated to World Peace through the operation of institutions of higher education for contemporary holistic teaching-learning and research in the areas of Buddhist Philosophy, Literature, Education, Culture, and the allied subjects. It partners with organizations for multiplier effects of Buddha’s philosophy and pledges academic links for value-based development programs in response to the aspirations and needs of the community people.
Addressing the demands and desires of the local communities around Lumbini, LBU initiated the Bachelor of Buddhist Studies and Humanities (English or Rural Development) in 2015 and its title was amended as Bachelor of Arts in 2020. The concept was also to create the sources of students for the master's programs.
The courses have been structured on the basis of the outcomes of the workshops with the LBU personnel and teaching faculty members of the Central Campus on February 26, and April 13, 2021) and frequent meetings of teaching faculties as well as the independent experts in the month of March 2021.
Goal
The overall goal of the program is to prepare human resources fully capable of understanding and initiating rural development projects based on the principles of sustainability and Buddhist philosophy.
Objectives
Upon completion of this academic program, students will be able to:
- Explain the conceptual clarity of sustainable development covering the key topics such as issues and strengths of rural areas, rural-urban interlink, and the basic principles of resource mobilization and the key components of sustainability as well as the physical infrastructure;
- Apply the theories and principles of sustainable development for employment opportunities, income generation, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation;
- Analyze various aspects of rural social problems particularly gender inequalities, child labor, girls trafficking, and caste systems; and
- Design, implement and supervise sustainable development projects.