CM Pema Khandu with the Abbot of Sera Jey Monastery, Geshe Tashi Tsethar.
Bylakuppe: One may lament that the first three decades of Tibetans in exile were spent living with benign neglect, whereas the last three decades have been lived with the celebration of Buddhist teachings and practices. In par with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s farsighted vision and amongst his four objectives – to preserve ancient Nalanda’s Buddhist values and education which remains the lifeline of Tibetan heritage.
Sera Jey Monastery, one of the eminent monastic universities of Tibetan Buddhist heritage now reestablished inside India at Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, Mysuru, Karnataka, has now introduced a Specialized Program of BA Honors in three disciplines – i) Ancient Tibetan Language, ii) Ancient Philosophy, iii) Ancient Psychology – under the recognition of University of Mysuru.
To grace this occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Sh. Pema Khandu; Smt. Rinchen Lhamo, Member, National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India; Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar; Maharaja of Mysuru, H.E. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar were present.
Abbot of Sera Jey, Ven. Geshe Tashi Tsethar welcomed the gathering and distinguished guests while presenting his opening remarks.
Being the Chief Guest, the Hon’ble CM of Arunachal Pradesh, while addressing the event, emphasised the relevance and significance of Nalanda’s Buddhist knowledge and wisdom that can show a path in finding solutions to the ever-evolving crisis of individuals, communities and states. He expressed his pride and honour to be part of this historical event that shall benefit all Buddhist learning students, especially monks who undergo numerous challenges and hardships to reach these learning centres. While offering homage to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama expressed his deep faith and gratitude in safeguarding the Buddhist Values and Teachings and emphasizing warmheartedness and mutual respect amongst all the different faiths. He especially thanked the Government and People of Karnataka, who had cared exceptionally for these existent Buddhist centres of learning and practices.
Smt. In her address, Rinchen Lhamo, Member of National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India – being the Guest of Honor, expressed satisfaction in becoming part of this event.
Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, VC, University of Mysuru, expressed his happiness about opening the special BA Honours program with Sera Jey Monastery while sharing the ancient roots and existent faculties of the University of Mysuru.
Maharaja of Mysuru, H.E Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, shared in his address the legacies of his grandfather and great-grandfather who had sown the seed of the University of Mysuru during British rule. He offered his good wishes for more of such accomplishments that can relay the coherence of the people of India, particularly Karnataka, who have wholeheartedly embraced the Tibetan people and its culture.
In addition to this, on the morning of 21st October, the Hon’ble CM of AP, Sh. Pema Khandu and Smt. Rinchen Lhamo, Member, National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India, also attended the Silver Jubilee Celebration event of Sera Jey School’s affiliation under CBSE, which was attended by distinguished guests from numerous institutions, organizations and communities also witnessed the occasion, including former Ministers of Central Tibetan Administration.
During his short stay in Bylakuppe, the Hon’ble CM of Arunachal Pradesh, Sh. Pema Khandu visited Sera Mey Monastery, Sera Lachi Monastery and Namdrolling Monastery.
Jigmey Tsultrim, CRO, South Zone, accompanied the Hon’ble Sh. Pema Khandu during the two days visit to South India.
-Report filed by CRO, Bangalore
CM Pema Khandu with Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, VC, University of Mysuru.
CM Pema Khandu presenting memento to Maharaja of Mysore, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.
CM Pema Khandu offering Tibetan ceremonial scarf to Smt. Rinchen Lhamo, Member, National Commission for Minorities.
CM Pema Khandu and the dignitaries.
CRO Jigme Tsultrim greeting CM Pema Khandu.
CM Pema Khandu and Smt. Rinchen Lhamo with Abbot Geshe Tashi Tsethar, CRO Jigme Tsultrim, and SO of Dekyi Larso.
CM Pema Khandu and Smt. Rinchen Lhamo with the monks of Sera Jey Monastery.
