Utpal Kumar Bajracharya, an assistant lecturer at Tribhuvan Multiple Campus, Palpa, a constituent campus of Tribhuvan University, serves as an executive member of Lumbini Buddhist University Council. He envisions making Lumbini Buddhist University a globally distinctive institution by infusing Buddhist philosophy into all disciplines, aiming to attract both local and international students. Bajracharya recently shared his perspective with College Readers. Here are some key highlights:

As a council member in Buddhist University, could you provide insights into the field of Buddhist studies?
The study of Buddhism is a valuable resource for anyone who is seeking to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It can help us to become more compassionate, wise, and non-violent. It can also help us to deal with suffering and connect with others in a meaningful way. The study of Buddhism is not just about learning about the religion itself. It is also about learning about ourselves and our place in the world. It helps us to understand our own suffering and how to overcome it. It also helps us to connect with others and build a more compassionate world. Buddhism is a universal tradition that can be practiced by people of all faiths. It is a valuable resource for anyone who is seeking to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

 
While it's true that Gautam Buddha's birthplace is Nepal, the establishment of Lumbini Buddhist University was intended to advance the teachings of Buddhism. However, our efforts to promote Buddhism haven't yielded the desired results. What strategies can we implement to enhance these promotional endeavors?

In my viewpoint, it's imperative to address this matter at the governmental level as well. The lack of a stable government might be contributing to the inadequate promotion of Buddhism. Another obstacle is the failure to execute well-thought-out plans; their mere formulation without implementation hinders progress. Despite our extensive advertising efforts to captivate student interest in Lumbini Buddhist University, the perception persists that pursuing a career after studying Buddhist studies isn't promising. This notion, however, is a misconception. To counter this trend, the government should take measures to discourage students from seeking education abroad, thereby encouraging enrollment in our university. Despite Lumbini Buddhist University diversifying its offerings, student enrollment remains low.

In Nepal, the inclination of students to pursue education abroad after completing their 12th grade is on the rise. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to present alternative options effectively in various fields of study. What prevents us from ensuring students about the prospects that follow Buddhist studies?

Examining this situation from a Buddhist standpoint reveals numerous advantages, particularly due to the substantial presence of Buddhist tourists in Nepal, particularly in Lumbini. Students could find opportunities through roles as tourist guides, facilitated by appropriate accommodations provided by the government for these tourists. However, the execution of such initiatives has been lacking. Unfortunately, the provision of proper tourist guides and accommodations has been dwindling, possibly attributable to the instability within the nation.
In order for Lumbini Buddhist University to advance into higher education, it must contend with both established and newly emerging universities. To accomplish this, the university may need to introduce new programs to remain competitive, right?

In pursuit of this goal, Lumbini Buddhist University has introduced the BA LLB program, attracting a significant student enrollment. Alongside mandatory Buddhist study courses, the university offers diverse fields such as management and tourism, presenting a wide array of bachelor's level courses.

Despite its long-standing establishment, Lumbini Buddhist University has experienced a notable upswing in its trajectory over the past five years. Could you provide insights into this recent progress?

Our faculty members have formulated comprehensive strategies, and Mr. Tilak, the registrar, remains dedicated to the university's growth. Meetings are convened to strategize the university's progress, and we have also sought government assistance. The commitment of our workforce, including deans and employees, is unwavering as they contribute to both the university and agricultural endeavors. We have established Devdaha by the side of  Nawalpur, encompassing fields like agriculture and forestry. Despite lower student enrollment, our promotional efforts persist, with sponsorship arrangements made with municipalities to encourage student enrollment. Enhanced support from multiple municipalities in sponsoring forestry students would greatly benefit the university. Furthermore, we are considering gradual expansion into the medical and engineering fields.

How can Lumbini Buddhist University counter the growing trend of students seeking education abroad due to perceived deficiencies in the quality of education offered by domestic universities?

We have dedicated efforts towards offering commerce education at the higher education level. To cater to a broader audience, Lumbini Buddhist University has established additional satellite campuses for foundational education. If we successfully engage students who have an affiliation with Buddhism and those who adhere to the religion's principles, we can align our operations more effectively with our primary objective.

In what ways does physical infrastructure impact the quality of education?

Certainly, the influence is undeniable. To ensure high-quality education, having robust physical infrastructure is imperative. Although our main campus has limited space, our Devdaha branch boasts a significantly larger area, offering ample room for infrastructure development. Conversations have been initiated with the mayor to secure support for these initiatives. Unfortunately, financial constraints have hindered immediate infrastructure enhancements, but this setback has not deterred our determination. We are resolute in our commitment to eventually enhance the university's physical facilities.

In conclusion, what message would you like to impart to the readers regarding Lumbini Buddhist University?
In summary, Lumbini Buddhist University is driven by the aim to offer excellent education and dissuade students from seeking education abroad. We are actively fostering opportunities in various domains, particularly in the tourism sector. With substantial enrollment in the BA LLB program, we boast a faculty of seasoned educators across disciplines. Opting for our university after completing the 12th grade can pave the way for a promising future and career. We welcome you to visit us and explore our offerings. Thank you.