Education is guideline for country's development: PM Deuba

Lumbini, June 24 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has stated that education is a guideline for a country's development. Higher education should focus on producing a workforce by exploring the resources, opportunities, need and priorities of the country, he said while addressing the second convocation ceremony of the Lumbini Buddhist University here today.     

Buddha's precept of the Noble Eightfold Path is still relevant and important even in the 21st century, said the Prime Minister who is also chancellor of the university.     

"So there are numerous of the centres for teaching Buddha's this Path across the country and this is increasing," he said.     

Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha, has become a centre for faith and respect of people around the globe, he asserted.     

The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the graduated students would strive to establish themselves as creative member of the society by transforming the society through the variations of Buddhism.     

He was hopeful that students of the university had been encouraged to promote Buddhist philosophy, art, literature and archaeology through scientific research for the fulfilment of common responsibility to build the nation, he said.     

Stating that the location of the Lumbini Buddhist University is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha which further signified the presence of the University, he stressed the role of the University in further promotion of Buddhist education and philosophy so as to make it a vital part of people’s daily life and thoughts. He also insisted on the role of the University in producing the workforce required for the promotion of Buddhist tourism.     

He took time to point out the need of keeping the significance and effectiveness of the University programmes intact by making them compatible with the time.     

The PM also advised the University to give time to research and impart education on sustainable development and contribute to promoting the government policies for the environment and sustainable development when the government has already expressed its commitments for sustainable tourism development at the international forum.     

As the Prime Minister, Buddha’s journey on the path of Buddhism and his teachings are still relevant and the University should make efforts for establishing itself as an international centre for the study and research of Buddhist philosophy and education.     

As he explained, the Buddhist customs and culture that are in practice for a long are always the concerns and resources for anthropologists and Buddhist scholars.     

 He was of the opinion of recognising the specific presence of the University and developing it accordingly. He pledged the continued government support for the University to produce graduates capable of contributing to the globalization of the significance of Buddhism, urging the University to clear set its goals and destinations and act accordingly.     

Meanwhile, Prime Minister and University chancellor Deuba attended the 14th Senate of the University here today. Addressing the Senate he stressed the need of promoting Nepal’s indemnity as the birthplace of Buddha internationally. As he said on the occasion, the government has realized the significance of education for the holistic development of the nation and is gradually increasing the budget for it.