CHANDIGARH,19.08.24-An MoU has been signed between His Holiness Dalai Lama’s Foundation For Universal Responsibility (FUR)and Panjab University (PU) to establish the Dalai Lama Chair in the Department of Gandhi and Peace Studies. Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh stated that main purpose of establishing this prestigious H H Dalai Lama Visiting Guest Speaker Chair is to promote and preserve the Indo-Tibetan civilisational heritage for the dissemination of philosophical, historical and spiritual studies. The Chair will disseminate the teachings and philosophy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and promote critical thinking and self-reflection among students, faculty, and the wider community. Specifically, the Chair will help, nurture and promote: Buddhist Response to Contemporary Issues, Study of Tibetan and Pali Buddhist texts, Tibetan Buddhist Art and Architecture, Buddhist Philosophy.

Prof. Ashu Pasricha, Chairperson, Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies, PU shared that this MoU will further explore Dalai Lama Studies that discourses His Holiness' personal contribution on the important subject of Ahimsa, Peace; SEE Learning (social, ethical emotional learning), Gandhian philosophy, research and capacity building.

Under Panjab University's Visiting Professor Programme, The HH Dalai Lama Chair will invite credible visiting scholars from diverse related fields ranging from fresh young voices to those who manifest seasoned wisdom. This initiative will enrich academic discourse, promote cultural exchange, and inspire positive social change within and beyond the university community. It will enhance the academic landscape, promote cultural diversity, and strengthen the University's mission of fostering academic excellence, cultural understanding, and social engagement. Through academic dialogue seminars, debates the Chair will promote positive social change. It will enhance the University's public image and global reputation.