Buddhist varsity gets a nod in Tripura

The Tripura government gave a Letter of Intent to set up a Buddhist University in the state, which will give opportunities for students from at least 30 countries to study and research Buddhist literature, culture and tradition in the new varsity.

New Delhi: Implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive development under the theme-Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas', the BJP-led Tripura government has given its nod to set up a Buddhist University in the state. The new varsity will come up in Manu Bankul in the Sabroom region.

The government, headed by Chief Minister Biplab Deb, gave a Letter of Intent to Bahujana Hitaya Education Trust for setting up the university.

Officials have said that the students from at least 30 countries will give opportunities to study and research Buddhist literature, culture and tradition in the new varsity. There are also plans to establish medical, technical and general degree colleges on the campus.

Following the issuance of the Letter of Intent, the organisation officials now prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for building necessary infrastructures at the proposed site.

The BJP-led government will also bring a bill to the assembly for setting up the university. Sabroom MLA Sankar Roy said that a plot measuring 25 acres is given to the Buddhist organisation to set up the varsity.

Officials and others keen to see the early setting up of the ambitious project are optimistic that the project's foundation stone will be laid within a month or so.

At present, Tripura has three varsities-Tripura University, which is a central varsity, state-run MBB University and privately-owned ICFAI University.

Buddhists constitute 3.41 per cent or 125,182 of the total population in Tripura but are highly respected. The community also resides in this northeastern state, much in harmony with Bengali Hindus, native tribals both Hindus and Christians.

Sources say the move truly reflects the Modi Government's pledge to carry along all communities on the path of development and progress.

Notably, Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal said, "Tripura had remained neglected in holistic development for 35 years but "the things have started changing over the past few years."

The stage is also set for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in South Tripura's Sabroom region. The Sabroom region is located on the banks of the Feni River, which separate India and Bangladesh.