Dharamshala: A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between Mentseekhang (Sowa Rigpa) and Manipur International University (MIU) today at a press conference in Dharamshala.

Since its inception, Mentseekhang has had collaborations with many institutes, however, the Director of Mentseekhang Tashi Tsering Phuri claimed that friendship and partnership offered by MIU led by its Chancellor Dr. Harikumar Pallathadka is a historic one.

The university had earlier proposed to build a center for Tibetan Medicine and Astrology when His Holiness the Dalai Lama paid a maiden visit to Imphal, capital of Manipur. His Holiness even lauded their approach and endeavors and said, “Your university will fulfill an important need not just in Manipur but also throughout the northeast region of India and beyond”.

MIU has pledged to fully finance the project and in addition, offered 2500 acres of land for free for the construction of the Sowa-Rigpa campus. In exchange, Mensteekhang has agreed to cooperate with human capital needs. On 1 March 2020, Mentseekhang will start a branch clinic at the headquarter of MIU in Imphal.

Dr. Harikumar in his address announced that MIU will soon have degree courses in Sowa Rigpa and its other fields. Speaking on the newly formed partnership, he said, “our partnership today will form a lasting relationship for generations to come”. He further noted that the need for Sowa-Rigpa in today’s world is imperative and its preservation a must.

“We need not only protect Sowa Rigpa but also propagate and promote it,” he said.

This collaboration of Mentseekhang with Manipur University will not only enable the community of Manipur to have a holistic approach to treatment but also likely to improve and strengthen their relationship with the Tibetan community residing in the region.

Manipur International University is an Autonomous State Statutory International Uninversity established and recognised by State Government of Manipur. Mentseekhang is a charitable, culture and educational institution. It is one of the oldest, largest and most reputable Sowa-Rigpa Institute in India for learning, treatment and pharmacology established by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1961 in Dharamshala.