Latest news with #NalandaUniversity
Mint
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu bats for Bharat Ratna to Dalai Lama, says China ‘should not have role' in succession
Amid an ongoing campaign by a group of MPs demanding the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for the Dalai Lama, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also called for the same, saying that he will write to the central government to recommend the honour for the Tibetan spiritual leader. Khandu also said it was the Dalai Lama who propagated and expanded the Nalanda school of Buddhism, which was born in India. "Way back in the 8th century, from the Nalanda University, many gurus went to Tibet. At that time, there used to be a Bon religion in Tibet. By combining the Bon religion and Buddhism, the concept of Tibetan Buddhism emerged. So Buddhism spread throughout Tibet," the Arunachal Pradesh CM said in an interview with PTI Videos on Tuesday. The concept of Tibetan Buddhism spread across the Himalayan belt -- from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, he added. All the big monastic centres that were in Tibet at that time, the different traditions like Sakya, all the old Buddhist traditions that existed in Tibet, were brought to India by the Dalai Lama, who established institutions in different places, especially in South India. These monasteries have hugely benefited the Buddhists of the Indian Himalayan region, Khandu further said. "In that light, the demand for the Bharat Ratna... is definitely a very good step," he said. Three foreign-born leading personalities have been awarded Bharat Ratna in the past: Mother Teresa (1980), Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987), and Nelson Mandela (1990). In 1959, after China invaded Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India. Since then, he has lived in Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh with other Tibetans exiled. Pema Khandu, who himself is a Buddhist, said: "The Dalai Lama institution has been continuous for over 600 years, from the first Dalai Lama to the current 14th. The Gaden Phodrang Trust manages the process of recognising the next Dalai Lama, which will start only after the current Dalai Lama passes away. There is no hurry, and the process follows strict rules." "But before the 90th birthday, all heads of Buddhist traditions met and confirmed the institution will continue. China has objected to this ... China's objections are based on their own policies. But the Dalai Lama institution is recognised mainly in the Himalayan belt and by Tibetan Buddhists. China should not have a role in this matter," he commented. Khandu added that Beijing has no locus standi in selecting the next Dalai Lama since Tibetan Buddhism is not even practised in mainland China, unlike in Tibet and the Himalayan regions of India.
NDTV
09-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Arunachal Chief Minister Calls To Honour Dalai Lama With Bharat Ratna
New Delhi: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said the Dalai Lama should be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, adding that he will write to the central government to recommend India's highest civilian award for the Tibetan spiritual leader. In an interview with PTI Videos on Tuesday, Mr Khandu also said that Beijing has no locus standi in the selection of the next Dalai Lama since Tibetan Buddhism is not even practised in mainland China unlike in Tibet and the Himalayan regions of India. Asked about a campaign by a group of MPs favouring the Bharat Ratna for the Dalai Lama, he said it was the Dalai Lama who propagated and expanded the Nalanda school of Buddhism, which was born in India. "Way back in the 8th century, from the Nalanda University, many gurus went to Tibet. At that time, there used to be a Bon religion in Tibet. By combining the Bon religion and Buddhism, the concept of Tibetan Buddhism emerged. So Buddhism spread throughout Tibet," he said. He said the concept of Tibetan Buddhism spread across the Himalayan belt -- from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The 14th Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India in 1959 after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. He has lived in Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh since then with other Tibetan exiled. Mr Khandu said all the big monastic centres that were in Tibet at that time, the different traditions like Sakya, all the old Buddhist traditions that existed in Tibet, were brought to India by the Dalai Lama who established institutions in different places, especially in south India. These monasteries have hugely benefitted the Buddhists of the Indian Himalayan region, he said. "So our monks go there to study, then come back and bring those practices to their own lands, their own places. So in that sense, if we look at it from that perspective, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has played a very vital role in preserving and promoting the ancient Nalanda tradition which is from our own country," Mr Khandu said. "In that light, the demand for the Bharat Ratna... is definitely a very good step," he said. The chief minister said he will soon write a letter to the central government recommending the Dalai Lama's name for the Bharat Ratna. Three foreign born leading personalities have been awarded Bharat Ratna in the past: Mother Teresa (1980), Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987) and Nelson Mandela (1990). Asked about the 90th birthday celebration of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala on July 6, which he attended, Mr Khandu said he had visited the hill station in Himachal Pradesh many times and interacted with His Holiness several times in the past but this 90th birthday was very special. He said the event saw people from all over India and across the globe, including diplomatic representatives. There was international participation and video messages from those who could not attend and it was a historic moment for everyone, he said. "His Holiness is mentally very alert even at this age, and his health is good except for a recent knee operation," he said. Asked about the Dalai Lama's successor, the chief minister, who himself is a Buddhist, said it was always a topic of discussion. "The Dalai Lama institution has been continuous for over 600 years, from the first Dalai Lama to the current 14th. The Gaden Phodrang Trust manages the process of recognising the next Dalai Lama, which will start only after the current Dalai Lama passes away. There is no hurry, and the process follows strict rules," he said. He said there was speculation about whether the Dalai Lama institution would continue, and if the next Dalai Lama could be a woman. "But before the 90th birthday, all heads of Buddhist traditions met and confirmed the institution will continue. China has objected to this ... China's objections are based on their own policies. But the Dalai Lama institution is recognised mainly in the Himalayan belt and by Tibetan Buddhists. China should not have a role in this matter," he said.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
NU launches community outreach initiative to connect with neighbouring village schools
Rajgir: Nalanda University (NU) has launched a new community outreach initiative — Sahbhagita Samvad — a participatory dialogue aimed at building deeper connections with the surrounding academic ecosystem. The first edition of this dialogue witnessed the presence of over 20 principals, headmasters, headmistresses, and teachers from some of the most prominent govt and private schools in the region. Participants included representatives from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Saraswati Vidya Mandir (Rajgir), RDH High School, Primary School (Pilkhi), Chakrapani Residential School, among others. Faculty members of Nalanda University, along with eminent author and scholar Venkataraman Rao, participated in the discussions as a special invitee. The event began with a warm reception followed by the welcome address by Chaturvedi and a brief introduction to the dialogue by the media and communications team of the university. The participants engaged in candid and insightful discussions around multiple themes such as student upskilling, career counselling, practical learning like through solar and water management systems at Nalanda University, waste management, and the growing need for mentorship in schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In his address, Chaturvedi said, "This Sahbhagita Samvad reflects the spirit of ancient Nalanda University. It's about our commitment to community engagement and shared learning. Just as ancient Nalanda thrived through vibrant exchanges with surrounding villages, through this initiative, we seek to rekindle that our mutual cooperation. By connecting with you all, we are trying to uphold our historical legacy again and create pathways for inclusive and transformative education rooted in local Indian contexts. " He also announced that regular campus visits would be facilitated for local institutions, guests, visitors and that specialized workshops for school students will be introduced soon. The event concluded with felicitations by the VC and a formal vote of thanks delivered by the registrar of the university. Rajgir: Nalanda University (NU) under the leadership of its vice chancellor, Sachin Chaturvedi, has launched a new community outreach initiative — Sahbhagita Samvad — a participatory dialogue aimed at building deeper connections with the surrounding academic ecosystem. The first edition of this dialogue witnessed the presence of over 20 principals, headmasters, headmistresses, and teachers from some of the most prominent govt and private schools in the region. Participants included representatives from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Saraswati Vidya Mandir (Rajgir), RDH High School, Primary School (Pilkhi), Chakrapani Residential School, among others. Faculty members of Nalanda University, along with eminent author and scholar Venkataraman Rao, participated in the discussions as a special invitee. The event began with a warm reception followed by the welcome address by Chaturvedi and a brief introduction to the dialogue by the media and communications team of the university. The participants engaged in candid and insightful discussions around multiple themes such as student upskilling, career counselling, practical learning like through solar and water management systems at Nalanda University, waste management, and the growing need for mentorship in schools. In his address, Chaturvedi said, "This Sahbhagita Samvad reflects the spirit of ancient Nalanda University. It's about our commitment to community engagement and shared learning. Just as ancient Nalanda thrived through vibrant exchanges with surrounding villages, through this initiative, we seek to rekindle that our mutual cooperation. By connecting with you all, we are trying to uphold our historical legacy again and create pathways for inclusive and transformative education rooted in local Indian contexts. " He also announced that regular campus visits would be facilitated for local institutions, guests, visitors and that specialized workshops for school students will be introduced soon. The event concluded with felicitations by the VC and a formal vote of thanks delivered by the registrar of the university.
Hans India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
The living Buddha's epic journey to save Tibet's identity
Sixty-six years ago, the 14th Dalai Lama, disguised as a soldier, left Norbulingka Palace in Tibet, a Third Pole, and escaped into exile in India after his challenging 14-day journey. Since then the longest most respectable staying guest of the Indian government, who often says he is enjoying every possible liberty, has been toeing a path of promoting human values, religious harmony, besides preserving Tibetan language and culture, the heritage received from the masters of India's Nalanda University. Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, with a retinue of soldiers and Cabinet Ministers escaped into exile on March 17, 1959, after China crushed an uprising in Tibet. He is turning 90 on July 6. Globetrotting the Dalai Lama, who is considered a living Buddha of compassion, in his latest book, 'In Voice for the Voiceless', offers insights into his decades-long dealings with China. In the book the Dalai Lama, a reincarnation of past Dalai Lamas, reminds the world of Tibet's unresolved struggle for freedom and the hardship his people continue to face in their homeland. The book captures his extraordinary life, uncovering what it means to lose your home to a repressive invader and build a life in exile; dealing with the existential crisis of a nation, its people, and its culture and religion; and envisioning the path forward. He was 16-years-old when Communist China invaded Tibet in 1950, only 19 when he had his first meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong in Beijing, and 25 when he was forced to escape to India and became a leader in exile. On reaching India after treacherous journey, the Dalai Lama first took up residence for about a year in Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. On March 10, 1960, just before moving to Dharamsala, a town perched on the upper reaches of north India's Kangra Valley, the Dalai Lama had said: "For those of us in exile, I said that our priority must be resettlement and the continuity of our cultural traditions. We, Tibetans, would eventually prevail in regaining freedom for Tibet." At present, India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans and the government-in-exile. The Commandant of the Assam Rifles presented a guard of honour to the 14th Dalai Lama in Tawang on setting his foot on the Indian soil in 1959. In an emotional reunion, the Dalai Lama in April 2017 met and embraced Havildar (retired) Naren Chandra Das of the Assam Rifles, the lone survivor of Indian personnel who were the first to receive him 58 years ago. However, the Havildar passed away at the age of 83 in December 2021. After arriving in India, the 14th Dalai Lama held his first press conference on June 20, 1959, in Mussoorie. The Dalai Lama, whom Beijing regards as a dangerous "splittist", considers the Nobel peace laureate a dangerous separatist. In a first, the Dalai Lama in May 2011 formally stepped down as head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, ending the 369-year old tradition of the Dalai Lamas holding dual responsibility of spiritual and temporal powers. Subsequently, most of the administrative and political powers rest with the democratically-elected Prime Minister -- first by Lobsang Sangay for two consecutive terms and now by Penpa Tsering. "I have now voluntarily brought this to an end, proud and satisfied that we can pursue the kind of democratic system of government flourishing elsewhere in the world," the Dalai Lama had said. But the moot question now is -- Is Tibetan spiritual leader going to create another history of sorts by reversing the more than 600-year-old tradition of following the lineage of the Dalai Lama? His followers believe the Dalai Lama is considering alternative scenarios. One could be simply ending the system; another would see him leaving written instructions about the reincarnation process if an opinion did not favour its abolition. Also, the Dalai Lama's followers firmly believe that before he dies his incarnation could be found, most probably in India, the birthplace of Buddhism. All these probabilities will discussed threadbare at the three-day 15th Tibetan Religious Conference from July 2 in Dharamsala where Buddhist leaders, including heads and representatives of all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism -- Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Sakya -- will meet. The Dalai Lama will address the conference virtually on July 2. "My reincarnation is to be decided by myself, nobody has the right to decide about that," the Dalai Lama, respected by millions as a living god, often said in his remarks. Living in exile in India for more than six decades, the longing to see his homeland is still fresh in the mind of the Dalai Lama. "Yes, I remain optimistic that I will be able to return to Tibet. China is in the process of changing," the Dalai Lama wrote on his website ( He considers himself a son of India. "All particles in my mind contain thoughts from Nalanda. And it's Indian 'dal' and 'chapati' that has built this body. I am mentally and physically a son of India," the Dalai Lama in his addresses is often quoted as saying. "India and Tibet share a relationship of 'guru' (teacher) and 'chela' (disciple). When I see some part of my 'guru' being corrupt, as a 'chela' I feel ashamed." Time and again, a demand from Indian Parliamentarians and his believers is being raised that India should confer its highest civilian award -- Bharat Ratna -- on him in recognition of his services to humanity. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet.
United News of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Bihar is soul of India and birthplace of its philosophical foundation: Jagdeep Dhankhar
Muzaffarpur, June 24 (UNI) Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar today described Bihar as the soul of India and the birthplace of its philosophical foundation, recalling the state's glorious historical, intellectual, and constitutional legacy. Addressing a public gathering at the foundation day ceremony of Lalit Narayan Mishra College of Business Management here, Dhankhar said, "Bihar was once the global centre of learning, with Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Odantapuri being not just universities, but civilisations." Dhankhar highlighted the significance of Bihar, saying it is the land where Buddha attained enlightenment, Mahavira achieved spiritual awakening, and the philosophical foundation of India was born. He highlighted that ancient knowledge, social justice, and modern aspirations coexist in Bihar, which will fetch global recognition for the country. Referring to the Champaran Satyagraha launched by Mahatma Gandhi, Dhankhar said it turned the issue of farmers into a national cause and introduced a new grammar of governance based on truth, dignity, and fearless service. Dhankhar also spoke about the rich history of Nalanda University, which was a residential university with 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, attracting scholars from across the world. He lamented the barbaric attacks by foreign invaders on Nalanda, particularly the burning of its library by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1192. Discussing the National Education Policy 2020, Dhankhar said it aims to create skilled professionals, contented citizens, employment generators, knowledgeable humans, and build a country that reflects the collective aspirations of the nation. He emphasised that education in India has always been value-based and character-building, connecting with life values. Dhankhar also referred to the Emergency, terming June 25 as the darkest chapter of Indian democracy when the Constitution was "murdered". He praised Jayaprakash Narayan for lighting the flame of democracy and said the 'Total Revolution' was a call for national reawakening. UNI RS AKT SSP
