JAMMU/LEH, Jul 7: The Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (BTSM) organised two significant programmes in Jammu and Ladakh to promote higher education, Buddhist studies and the preservation of India’s rich Himalayan cultural heritage.
In Jammu, a delegation of BTSM felicitated Prof. Rajeev Rattan on his appointment as the first Vice Chancellor of Sindhu Central University, Ladakh. The delegation was led by Dr. Vivek Sharma, President of BTSM for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and National Co-Convenor of the Intellectual Forum of BTSM, along with Dr. Judvir Singh, State Vice President of BTSM.
As a mark of respect and goodwill, the delegation ceremonially draped a traditional Buddhist Khatak around Prof. Rajeev Rattan. The sacred ceremonial scarf, an important symbol in Buddhist tradition, represents purity, peace, compassion, auspiciousness and blessings.
Congratulating the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vivek Sharma expressed confidence that under Prof. Rajeev Rattan’s leadership, Sindhu Central University would emerge as a premier centre of excellence in higher education, research and innovation while playing a key role in preserving and promoting the Buddhist and cultural heritage of the Himalayan region. He also assured the University of BTSM’s support in initiatives aimed at safeguarding India’s civilisational and cultural legacy.
Meanwhile, during an organisational visit to Leh, Dr. Vivek Sharma, accompanied by Rajinder Sadotra, General Secretary of BTSM, and Davinder Padha, In-charge of Ladakh UT, met Prof. Rajesh Ranjan, Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh.
During the meeting, Dr. Sharma presented Prof. Ranjan with a copy of his book, Buddhism in India and Abroad, which explores the historical evolution, philosophical foundations and global spread of Buddhism while highlighting India’s enduring contribution to Buddhist thought, culture and scholarship.
The discussions focused on strengthening academic collaboration between BTSM and CIBS for the promotion of Buddhist studies, preservation of the Himalayan region’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage, and encouraging research, academic exchange and educational activities.
Prof. Rajesh Ranjan appreciated Dr. Vivek Sharma’s scholarly contributions and lauded his efforts to promote Buddhist studies through research and publications. Both sides expressed optimism that greater cooperation between academic institutions and cultural organisations would contribute significantly to the preservation and dissemination of India’s Buddhist heritage and Himalayan knowledge traditions.