Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies (SUBIS) in India has appointed the renowned Buddhist scholar Prof. Bimalendra Kumar as vice-chancellor, effective 15 September. Prof. Kumar’s appointment was made by the governor of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, who also serves as chancellor of SUBIS.
“On the eve of assuming the responsibility as vice chancellor of Sanchi University of Buddhist and Indic Studies, District Raisen, Madhya Pradesh on 15 September 2026, I bow with deep reverence to the Blessed One, the Buddha,” Prof. Kumar stated in a social media post. (Bimalendra Kumar Facebook)
“I express my sincere gratitude to the Honorable Chancellor, the government of Madhya Pradesh, and the members of the Search Committee for reposing their faith in me. To serve a university situated at Sanchi is to serve the very heart of Buddhist and Indic civilization,” he continued. (Bimalendra Kumar Facebook)
In his first meeting with Gov. Patel after assuming the role, Prof. Kumar emphasized the ongoing research programs at SUBIS. He noted that several important initiatives related to Buddhism and Indian culture were being conducted, including a study of rare and significant texts such as the Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist canons, which would be made available to researchers.
Prof. Kumar is a retired professor and former head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. He also served as the founding ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair of Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University in Lumbini, Nepal. His areas of expertise include Pali, Theravada Buddhism, Buddhist Philosophy (Abhidhamma), and Tibetan Buddhism. He has authored 19 books, including edited volumes, and has published more than 125 articles.
As a distinguished scholar of Buddhist philosophy and Pali literature, Prof. Kumar has dedicated his career to teaching, research, and the promotion of Buddhist studies. He continues to contribute to academic discourse through mentorship and scholarly engagement, having held visiting assignments at various universities.
“It is a great honor for the BHU family, especially the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, on the appointment of Senior Prof. Bimalendra Kumar as vice-chancellor of Sanchi University,” said Prof. Ujjwal Kumar from the Department Buddhist Studies at Calcutta University, a former student of Prof. Kumar. (Ujjwal Kumar Facebook)
SUBIS is a state university in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. Established in 2013 by the state government under the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies Act, 2012, the university is aimed at promoting Buddhist and Indic studies and the the principles of the Dhamma, which are foundational to Indian culture.
The foundation stone for the university was laid on 21 September 2012 by the then president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa. Yajneshwar Shastri was appointed as vice-chancellor in July 2016, followed by Neerja Arun Gupta, who took office in February 2022.
As a vibrant institution in the heart of India, SUBIS seeks to resurrect the brilliance of Indian philosophy through rigorous research and practical application. The university’s stated objectives include facilitating the cross-pollination of ideas and fostering harmony among societies and communities.
“Sanchi University endeavors to synthesize the ancient systems with the current needs; re-establish the knowledge catering to present day issues,” a public statement on the university’s website emphasizes. “We expect to revive the old glory of Nalanda, Taxila, Vallabhi, Vikramshila and move forward in current paradigm adding value to all aspects of knowledge, practice, and wisdom for the benefit of humankind.” (SUBIS website)
With Prof. Kumar at the helm, SUBIS is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of Buddhist and Indic studies, further solidifying its role as a center of learning and research.
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Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic StudiesProfessor Bimalendra KumarSubis Sanchi Facebook
Ujjwal Kumar Facebook
Bimalendra Kumar Facebook
Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies Facebook
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