Centre for Bharat Studies Launched at Thailand's Oldest Buddhist University
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Synopsis
On March 20, a new Centre for Bharat Studies was inaugurated at Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University, Thailand's oldest Buddhist university. The event signifies a strengthening of India-Thailand relations through shared cultural and academic initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Centre for Bharat Studies inaugurated in Thailand.
- Jointly launched by Ambassador Nagesh Singh and Phra Sitthivajrabundit.
- Focus on enhancing academic exchanges between India and Thailand.
- Five operational centres already exist in Thai universities.
- Deep-rooted cultural ties between the nations emphasized by Prime Minister Modi.
Bangkok, March 20 (NationPress) To bolster the enduring civilizational bonds rooted in Buddhism, a new Centre for Bharat Studies (CBS) was officially launched at Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University, Thailand's most ancient Buddhist university, on Thursday.
This inauguration signifies yet another significant step in India-Thailand relations, jointly officiated by Ambassador Nagesh Singh of India to Thailand and Phra Sitthivajrabundit, the Assistant Professor and Vice Rector for Foreign Affairs at the esteemed university.
Numerous esteemed monks, notable scholars, and academics from India, Thailand, and other nations attended the event.
"The centre aims to enhance understanding and scholarship surrounding our historical civilizational ties rooted in Buddhism, along with India's contemporary role on the global stage. Ambassador Nagesh Singh, in his keynote speech, emphasized the need for increased academic collaborations between the Centre and Indian universities to transform it into a lively hub of knowledge," the Indian Embassy shared on X.
Currently, five such centres are operational in Thailand at Chulalongkorn University, Silpakorn University, Thammasat University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University.
Moreover, in addition to the India Studies Centre, nine India Corners have been established in Thai universities including PridiBanomyong International College of Thammasat University, Chulalongkorn University, Mae Fah Luang University, Surat Thani Rajabhat University, Prince of Songkla University, Chiang Mai University, UbonRatchathani University, Srinakharinwirot University, and the National Library of Thailand.
The historical ties between India and Thailand are deeply rooted in shared cultural interactions and extensive social exchanges. The common bond of Buddhism is illustrated by the frequent pilgrimages made by many in Thailand to sacred Buddhist sites in India.
Last month, during a virtual address at SAMVAD, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the profound cultural connections between India and Thailand, which have persisted for over 2,000 years, and highlighted the role of Asian traditions in promoting peace and harmony.
The Prime Minister noted that the Ramayana and Ramakien are threads that connect the two nations, and their mutual respect for Bhagwan Buddha unites them. He mentioned that when India sent sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha to Thailand last year, millions of devotees came to pay their respects. PM Modi stressed the dynamic partnership between India and Thailand across various sectors, noting that India's 'Act East' policy aligns with Thailand's 'Act West' policy, fostering mutual growth and advancement.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi pointed out that the First Asian Buddhist Summit was recently conducted in India under the theme 'The Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia'. Previously, India had also hosted the First Global Buddhist Summit.
