LBU, Nepal |2082.12.29| The Faculty of Buddhist Studies (FBS), Lumbini Buddhist University successfully concluded the Special Research Program Proposal Presentation under the Mini Research Program, 2082, organized specifically for faculty members to strengthen research culture, academic engagement and scholarly productivity within the faculty.
The program was conducted in two academic phases through an online Zoom platform, facilitating structured research proposal presentations, expert commentary, and scholarly discussion on diverse themes related to Buddhist studies, heritage and socio-cultural transformation. The initiative primarily focused on enhancing the research capacity of faculty members by providing a platform to present ongoing research proposals and receive constructive academic feedback.
During the first phase of the program, research proposals were presented by Mr. Sanjay Shakya on “Dharmagandi in Buddhist Mahaviharas of Nepal Mandala,” Dr. Sharada Paudel on “Exploring the Bodhisattva Ideal: A Study of Āchārya Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra,” and Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung on “Cultural Transformation of the Gurung Buddhist Community in Siddharthanagar Municipality, Rupandehi.” The presentations were reviewed by an expert panel comprising Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies Prof. Basanta Bidari and Dr. Fanindra Kumar Neupane, who provided valuable academic insights focusing on methodological clarity, theoretical grounding and research relevance.
In the second phase, research proposals were presented by Mr. Bhim Bahadur Kunwar on “A Preliminary Study on Heritage Tourism in Nepal: A Case Study of Lumbini” and Manjeel Subedi on “Evaluating the Concept of ‘Pandita’ in the Dhammapada: Moral Qualities and Soteriological Dimensions.” The expert panel for this session included Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Prof. Basanta Bidari, Dr. Fanindra Kumar Neupane and Mr. Sanjay Shakya. The panelists offered constructive feedback and engaged in scholarly discussion, contributing to the refinement and academic strengthening of the presented proposals.
The Faculty of Buddhist Studies emphasized that the program was specifically designed to support the academic development of faculty members by strengthening institutional research culture, enhancing proposal writing skills, improving methodological clarity, and encouraging interdisciplinary academic dialogue. The program witnessed active participation and meaningful engagement, reflecting a growing research-oriented environment within the faculty.
The Special Research Program Proposal Presentation was successfully completed with active participation of faculty members and scholars. The program significantly contributed to enhancing research quality, academic collaboration and scholarly engagement within Lumbini Buddhist University. The Faculty reaffirmed its commitment to promoting research excellence and academic innovation in Buddhist studies and related disciplines.
The program was effectively coordinated by Asst. Lecturer Mr. Kamal Thapa ensuring smooth management and academic facilitation throughout.