Tibetan political leader, the Dalai Lama recently inaugurated the Centre for Tibetan Studies at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi. At the function that followed, the university honored him with the degree of doctor of letters (Honoris Causa).

Speaking to the gathering, His Holiness said, “There is a traditional treasure in Buddhist studies. The 1,000-year-old Nalanda traditions have faced its ups and downs. Historically, Buddhism spread from India to Tibet and so we share the guru-chela relationship. It is all your treasure, which we have studied, practiced, and followed in our lives. Now is the time to return it to the original source. There are 300 volumes of Buddhist texts translated from India, specifically from Pali and a few from Mandarin. With the establishment of the centre I hope that more institutions like this will open and carry the study of inner science, mind and emotions forward to apprise oneself with the reality.”

Gracious Thomas, director, School of Social Work, IGNOU, pointed out that the primary goal of the newly established centre is to preserve the Tibetan culture in India and Nepal by contributing to the theoretical knowledge and practical training in Tibetan Buddhist scholarly tradition. “The Centre will also develop and launch various programs of study at the graduate and postgraduate levels and provide authentic Tibetan Buddhist teachings to promote dialogues between transnational scholars, clergy, and Tibetan teachers,” added Thomas.

The biggest challenge faced by the management prior to the launch was recruiting teachers who can teach in Tibetan and English and who are at the same time experts in Buddhist Studies.  Fortunately, Buddhist monasteries and several other centers for Tibetan Studies––replete with some of the best scholars in the country––are coming forward to supply scholars, some of whom will be visiting faculties. IGNOU will provide the study material for three programs in Buddhism and Tibetan Studies—diploma, BA, and MA; these will be taught in regional Tibetan Buddhist centres, Dharamshala; the Central University for Tibetan Studies, Sarnath; and at the Tibetan House, Delhi. IGNOU and the Central University for Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, will jointly issue the degrees.

Basic eligibility requirement for students seeking diploma or BA in Buddhism and Tibetan Studies is +2. For students seeking admission to MA in Buddhism and Tibetan Studies, the minimum eligibility is a graduation degree. Graduation in Buddhism and Tibetan Studies will come in handy for those applying for the MA course.

The management is also looking forward to increase the number of available seats (30–40 seats is being offered initially) for these courses, depending on the demand.