The Faculty of Buddhist Studies (FBS), Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), successfully hosted the Orientation Program for the Master’s Degree by Dissertation (MDD) on 17th August 2025 via Zoom, facilitated and hosted by Mr. Kamal Thapa, Assistant Lecturer and MDD Coordinator.
The session commenced with the Recitation of the Five Precepts led by Ven. Sri Vajira, Assistant Professor at LBU, setting an ethical and reflective tone for the day. Prof. Basanta Bidari, Head of the Department of Archaeology and Member Secretary-MDD, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the program’s significance in advancing Buddhist scholarship, cultural preservation, and intellectual growth. Following this, all students, scholars, and professors introduced themselves, sharing their academic backgrounds, research interests, and motivations, creating a collaborative platform for intercultural academic exchange. The 2025 intake included five students from four countries: Mr. Beh Chun How (Malaysia), Mr. Zhao Wei (China), Mr. Pai Ru Lun (Taiwan), Ms. Siew Pei Fun (Malaysia), and Mr. Kohji Ohkura (Japan).
The orientation further engaged students in detailed academic sessions. Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Dean of FBS, presented the program highlights and explained the MDD academic guidelines, including dissertation registration, supervisor selection, and evaluation procedures. Prof. Dr. Bimalendra Kumar briefed participants on the MDD syllabus, research methodology, literature review, and ethical considerations, emphasizing high academic standards aligned with Buddhist principles. A dynamic Q&A session enabled students to clarify doubts and gain confidence in their research approach, reinforcing the program’s commitment to nurturing disciplined and original scholarship.
Concluding the event, Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya highlighted the transformative nature of dissertation research, reminding students that their work should contribute meaningfully to both academia and society. The Orientation Program successfully established a foundation for collaborative learning, ethical research, and global scholarly engagement.