Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 9: The Research scholars and students of the Department of Buddhist Studies in Jammu University are up in arms against purported move by the university for either closing the department or merging it with proposed Department of Physiology.
“It is very shocking and unpleasant move by the JU administration, particularly in view of the fact that Buddhism has played a significant role in disseminating Indian culture and value education not only in the Buddhist countries of Asia but even in the Western world,” said Suresh Kumar, a senior Research scholar and president of Youth Movement for Promotion of Buddhist Studies (YMPBS), while talking to media persons, here today.
He lamented that instead of promoting the study of Buddhism, the JU administration was trying to close the Department. “This shows the lack of vision and concern for national security as due to the encirclement of India by China in the Ladakh region, which is strategically very important for Indian security, the Government of India made the strategy to promote the teachings of Buddhist Studies so that all the Buddhist countries may have a friendly ties with us that can work in encountering the Chinese interference into Indian part,” he explained.
“Keeping in view the above facts we sincerely appeal to the Governor of the State to instruct the concerned quarters to encourage the teaching of Buddhist Studies instead of harming it and at the same time implement the teachings of the same at 10+2 and College level in our State,” Suresh Kumar said.
Others who were present in the press conference, included Rigzin Chosdup, Shashikant Atri, Meenu Verma, Ashwani Kumar, Deachen, Nurboo and Amchok.