New Delhi: The Education Ministry is preparing a comprehensive database of Buddhism-related courses offered by various universities in the country.
The database will contain information about Buddhist scholars, Pali scholars, alumni and annual conferences, seminars and conclaves on Buddhism organised by universities.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked universities to contribute to this database by providing relevant information on Buddhism-related programmes offered by them.
In a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellors of universities, UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain has asked to submit details of the courses along with name, number of students, number of research scholars, among other information. The VCs will have to submit the information through an online form attached with the letter.
“The Government of India has been working on the revival of India as a global centre of Buddhist culture and tourism through various initiatives. Commencement of courses related to Buddhism and courses supplementing tourism studies, promotion of Pali language etc. are some such initiatives,” the Jain wrote.
Recently, the UGC had requested its affiliated universities to help in creating awareness about cyber security in higher educational institutions, NDTV reported.