Mysuru: University of Mysore (UoM) Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar has said that Buddhist Studies Centre will be set up in the University soon.

He was speaking after inaugurating a special lecture series  on ‘Buddha Guruvinatta Payana – Samskrutika Tallanagalu’ (The march towards Buddha and its cultural fallout) organised as part of the 63rd anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ‘Dhamma Deeksha’ at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre in Manasagangothri here on Monday.

Stating that efforts will be made to set up the Centre this year itself, he said that Rs.5 lakh will be released for the same initially, following which the Government will be appealed for more funds.

Pointing out that the Government will be involved in the setting up of the Centre, Prof. Hemantha Kumar stressed on the need for the students to learn much about Dr. Ambedkar and Buddha.

Maintaining that many countries in the world that have adopted Buddhism have flourished, he said that the world’s most populous country China too has adopted Buddhism. But it is unfortunate that we in India, where Buddha was born and lived his life, have forgotten him, he regretted.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre Visiting Faculty Devanur Basavaraj said that following Buddha’s ideals is key for human beings for developing a humane mindset.

He further said Buddha’s preachings will largely help the youths of today to understand the importance of equality.

Kollegal Chetavana’s Manorakkhita Bantheji, Centre Director Prof. Somashekar, faculty Dr. S. Narendra Kumar and others were present on the occasion.