19 May : Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Jammu, Jammu celebrated its 24th foundation day on May 19, 2010 in the Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium. The programme started with lightening of the lamp by Prof. Varun Sahani, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu who was the chief guest on the occasion. Prof. Parveen K. Choudhary, State University, New York, USA was the Guest of Honor.
Foreign Buddhist monk scholars from Thailand and Myanmar offered prayer to the Tipple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha) in Pali language in an impressive manner. Prof. B. Labh, Head of the Department formally welcomed the guests and presented the progress report of the department.
Prof. P.K. Choudhary in his speech spoke on the Buddha’s concern for down trodden and socially marginalized people. He shared his experience on his ongoing project on the tribes of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. Varun Sahani in his address highlighted salient features of Buddhist philosophy and appreciated the efforts made by Prof. B. Labh as Head of the department for developing it. He congratulated the department for being the first departemt in the university who attracts foreign scholars to study in this university. He wished to have a unit of the department of Buddhist Studies at Leh also. Prof. Sahani assured of all possible help for the development of the department.
Some Research Scholars of the department were felicitated for qualifying JRF/NET exam. among which Suresh Kumar, Rigzin Chosdup, Jatinder Goswami, Seema Kour and Pavas Naggar are to be worth mentioning.
Former students too were welcomed and felicitated. This entire programme was followed by colorful and variant cultural programmes which include ladakhi, Dogri, Punjabi, Hindi, and Western dances and Songs.
Prof. R. N. Singh presented vote of thanks to the guests where as Suresh Kumar and Mohinder compared the whole proceedings of the programme very beautifully and smoothly.
Dr. Sonia Jasrotia was given special applause for her successful management of the event.
