The credentials of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies are synonymous with the age old history and overflowing bona fide culture of Ladakh, which came into existence on 23 October 1959. The journey from School of Buddhist Philosophy to the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies has come across many ups and downs to at last see its glory as a Deemed to be University at last. After its declaration as a Deemed to be University on 15 January 2016, it is indeed a proud opportunity for me to serve this august institute as the First Vice Chancellor. At the outset, I pay homage to Buddha, the Omniscient One, whose grace has always been on this institute and whose name the institute bears. I also salute to all the stakeholders, both organizational and individual, that have contributed to the growth of this educational tree which has nourished, is nourishing and will be nourishing many a seeker of knowledge.
It gives me immense pleasure to see that the institute is striving towards this goal by providing learning opportunity in Buddhist epistemology, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Astrology, Himalayan Art and Craft, Sowa Rigpa Medicines and Surgery, and classical languages like Bhoti, Sanskrit and Pali. I am also happy to see that the students are given opportunities to study other subjects like English, Hindi, History, Political Science, and Economics to keep them updated with the present world.
Our former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has rightly said, “Dreams are not what you see in your sleep, dreams are those that don’t let you sleep.” I joined this institute with many dreams. My first and foremost dream is to make this institute a centre of excellence for the purpose it is founded, by permeating the perfume of happiness and peace of mind through catering Buddhist wisdom to each needy person. My next dream is to provide skill-oriented learning to the unemployed youth of Ladakh by introducing professional courses in this institute. For this I need the support of each and every stakeholder and each employee of the institute. In unison, let us swear in the name of Buddha to bring back the glory of Nalanda and Taxila universities through this institute.
We shall empower our students with a long-term vision that leads to innovation and service to society by soon implementing National Education Policy-2020 and by maintaining equilibrium between the ancient Buddhist wisdom and the anticipatory future emergencies. So our students shall be trained for being grooming visionaries, societal luminaries, committed workers, protectors of the ecology and good human beings to become the future leaders.
No person is complete by himself/ herself. So I encourage and allow constructive criticism and suggestions from all stakeholders, alumni, students and staff to realize this institute as an institution of public and national importance.
आ नो भद्राः क्रतबो यन्तु विश्वतः
(aa no bhadrah kratabo yantu viswatah)
Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.
( Rigved: 1:89: 1)