The Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, along with the Vice-Chancellor Ashok Kumar Rai of Lumbini Buddhist University, highlighted the university's unique global status and its importance, emphasizing its role not only as a national but also as an international center of excellence and commitment to spreading Buddhist education and fostering a skilled, ethical, and globally competitive workforce during the 15th meeting of the university held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Falgun 19, 2080, in Lumbini, stating that it is the only university of its kind globally.
Speaking at the meeting, Education Minister Rai, acting as the Chancellor under the leadership of Prime Minister Dahal, referred to Lumbini Buddhist University as not just a national but an international institution of significance, carrying the message of peace to the global community. He emphasized the university's continuous efforts to produce a skilled, ethical, and productive workforce for the nation while spreading the teachings of Buddha globally.
Minister Rai acknowledged the rich archaeological sites in Nepal and emphasized the inevitable use of the country's manpower for excavation. He shared plans for the excavation of various Buddhist archaeological sites in Lumbini, such as Tilaurakot in Kapilvastu and Ramgram in Nawalparasi, aiming to attract students to the university while achieving significant accomplishments in a short period, fostering skilled manpower for the nation.
The Minister highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha, establishing the university as an international academic center for the study and research of Buddhist education, literature, art, and history. He envisioned Lumbini Buddhist University contributing significantly to national education development through Buddhist education and emphasized the need for strategic planning for its advancement.
In the past, Prime Minister Dahal inaugurated the central office building within the Lumbini Development Fund premises, costing around NPR 22 crores. The building houses the offices of the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Research Center, and the International Relations Center. Minister Rai expressed the government's commitment to establishing Lumbini as a global academic hub for Buddhist studies and contributing to national educational development through Buddhist education.
