Lumbini, March 28, 2025 – Lumbini Buddhist University has embarked on an ambitious campaign to deliver Buddhist education to every household, aiming to foster a positive societal transformation. The initiative, spearheaded by the university’s Faculty of Buddhist Studies, was officially launched under the banner “Buddhist Education in Schools.”
As part of the campaign, the Faculty of Buddhist Studies organized an interactive session with local government representatives in Lumbini on March 28 to discuss integrating Buddhist education into school curriculums. The event saw participation from key figures, including the Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, Prof. Dr. Suvarnalal Bajracharya, who emphasized the need for Buddhist education to cultivate ethical and morally upright citizens.
“We are not limiting our efforts to teaching and learning within the university walls. Our goal is to bring Buddhist education to every home, and for this, we seek the support of local authorities,” Prof. Dr. Bajracharya stated during the program. He highlighted that the teachings of Lord Buddha serve as a transformative tool for life and urged local representatives to design programs that encourage the widespread adoption of these principles.
Deputy Mayor of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City Savitra Devi Aryal, who attended the event, pledged to incorporate Buddhist education into the municipality’s programs. Drawing an analogy, she remarked, “We have a diamond in our hands, yet we seem unaware of what we are searching for.” She described Lumbini Buddhist University as a jewel of the region and stressed that its preservation and promotion are a collective responsibility.
Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, presented the significance of Buddhist education and outlined a tailored curriculum designed for students in grades 6 to 8. He emphasized that local governments across the Lumbini region must take ownership of the campaign to ensure its success. Dr. Shakya noted that prior discussions with community school principals had paved the way for this dialogue with local leaders and education department representatives.
Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung, Head of the Central Campus of Lumbini Buddhist University, underscored that promoting Buddhist education would also elevate the global recognition of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. He urged local governments to prioritize this initiative for its cultural and educational value.
The program also saw commitments from various local leaders. Tara Gyawali, Chief Administrative Officer of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, assured that Buddhist education would be prioritized in the upcoming local curriculum, given the municipality’s deep connection to Buddha’s birthplace. Representatives from Siddharthanagar Municipality, Kapilvastu Municipality, Sammrimai Rural Municipality, and Tilottama Municipality echoed the sentiment, agreeing to formulate policies to integrate Buddhist education into their educational frameworks.
The Faculty of Buddhist Studies has outlined plans to conduct phased meetings, discussions, and interactive programs across various districts to advance the campaign. The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to not only preserving Buddhist philosophy but also making it a practical tool for societal betterment.
Lumbini Buddhist University continues to lead efforts in promoting the timeless teachings of Buddha, aiming to create a ripple effect of peace, morality, and wisdom starting from the grassroots level.