Global certification for Himalayan monks in Buddhist education

Buddhist Monks and Nuns in the Himalayas Gain Global Recognition

Buddhist monks and nuns in the Himalayas are set to gain global academic recognition through a new certification from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). This groundbreaking development comes after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NIOS and the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Traditions (IHCONBT).

Curriculum Development and Recognition

Maling Gompu, General Secretary of IHCONBT, announced that textbooks for Buddhist studies from Class I to XII have been prepared and a curriculum framework developed. The curriculum blends traditional subjects like Buddhist philosophy with Mathematics, Science, English, and Bhoti, and is now recognized by NIOS.

Addressing Previous Lack of Recognition

The move is designed to address the previous lack of recognition for Buddhist philosophy taught in monasteries, which sparked insecurity among monks and nuns. With the new certification, concerns over the decline of Nalanda Buddhism are alleviated, and monasteries across India are seeking NIOS affiliation to secure the future of traditional Buddhist education.

(With inputs from agencies.)