Lumbini Buddhist University unveils strategic plan

By Laxman Paudel, Bhairahawa, Dec. 2: The Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) has unveiled its strategic plan titled ‘Vision 2030+’.

The University released the plan, which aims to establish LBU as a world-class educational institution by 2030, on Thursday amid a programme organised at Lumbini on the occasion of its 18th anniversary.

Speaking at the programme, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Hridaya Ratna Bajracharya said that the University would focus on three elements in the coming days – imparting international-standard education, designing curriculum related to Buddhist literature and values and developing programmes to promote social responsibility. 

Vision 2030+ also plans to develop education and research policies in line with the University Grants Commission’s rules and international principles.

Registrar Dr. Tilak Ram Acharya said that the management was working hard to improve LBU’s national ranking too. The University currently ranks seventh but Acharya said that they wanted to improve that to the third. 

LBU is also planning to establish 10 departments in three faculties soon.

LBU is the only religion-based university in the country which teaches courses related to Buddhist philosophy, culture and other subjects.

The University had previously unveiled its academic and physical master plan. This strategic plan is said to be based on that plan. 

Chairman of the Bayoddhakusum Dharma Mahasangh Mahayogi Shreedhar Rana Rimpochhe asked LBU to educate the public about the essence of Buddhism.

Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust Metteyya Sakyaputta also said that the University needed to shed light on the roots of Buddhist philosophy through research.

Chairman of the Dharmodaya Sabha Keshav Man Shakya called the strategic plan attractive.

Five books published by the LBU Research Centre were also launched at the programme. The University held various events over the past week to celebrate its anniversary.