Sikkim Governor Emphasizes Academic Strengthening and Hospital Expansion at NIT Meeting

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), a premier institution for Tibetan and Buddhist studies, held its Executive Board and General Council meeting at Raj Bhavan, Sikkim, on February 11, 2025. The meeting, chaired by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, who also serves as the President of NIT, focused on key issues including academic expansion, faculty recruitment, and the development of a 30-bedded Sowa Rigpa Hospital at the institute’s premises.

The meeting brought together top government officials, academic leaders, and cultural experts, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening Tibetan and Buddhist studies in India.

Key Officials and Dignitaries in Attendance

The meeting witnessed the presence of several high-ranking officials, reflecting the importance of NIT’s role in cultural preservation and academic research. Among the dignitaries in attendance were:

• Jitendra Singh Raje, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor
• B.K. Lama, Culture Department Secretary
• Tsewang Gyachho, Higher Education Secretary
• Dr. Passang D. Phempu, Director, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
• Various dignitaries from government departments and academic institutions

Their participation underscores the collaborative efforts needed to promote and develop academic research, infrastructure, and traditional knowledge systems at NIT.

Governor Highlights the Need to Strengthen NIT’s Academic Framework

During the meeting, Governor Om Prakash Mathur highlighted the importance of NIT as a globally recognized institution for Tibetan and Buddhist studies. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening the institute’s academic framework by introducing new faculty positions in line with UGC (University Grants Commission) guidelines.

He suggested the creation of Assistant Professors and other academic posts to enhance the institute’s research output and attract international scholars. To support this initiative, he instructed the Finance Committee to explore funding opportunities and assess the feasibility of creating these posts.

By expanding its academic faculty, NIT aims to improve research capabilities, foster international collaborations, and strengthen its position as a leading institution for Buddhist and Tibetan studies in India.

Upcoming 30-Bedded Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT

One of the major agenda items discussed was the development of a 30-bedded Sowa Rigpa Hospital within NIT’s premises. Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Tibetan system of medicine, is one of the key areas of research and practice at NIT.

The Governor urged the Executive Board to accelerate staff appointments to ensure the hospital becomes operational at the earliest. Once functional, the Sowa Rigpa Hospital will:

• Serve as a center for research and practical training in traditional Tibetan medicine
• Provide alternative healthcare solutions to students, researchers, and the local community
• Promote indigenous knowledge systems through practitioner training programs and community outreach initiatives

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of preserving and advancing indigenous healthcare traditions, ensuring that Sowa Rigpa remains a vital part of modern medical discourse.

NIT Director’s Institutional Report and Key Developments

At the beginning of the meeting, NIT Director Dr. Passang D. Phempu delivered a welcome address, expressing gratitude to the Governor for his leadership. He also presented a detailed institutional report, outlining:

• Current research projects and academic collaborations
• Infrastructure development and digitization of ancient Tibetan manuscripts
• Ongoing efforts to enhance NIT’s research capabilities

Dr. Phempu reiterated NIT’s commitment to promoting Buddhist and Tibetan studies and strengthening academic collaborations with national and international institutions.

Future Initiatives and Institutional Growth

The meeting also covered various future initiatives aimed at enhancing NIT’s academic and research profile. Some of the key proposals discussed included:

1. Strengthening International Collaborations

The board emphasized the need for greater international engagement, particularly with leading institutions specializing in Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan medicine, and cultural studies. This includes:

• Academic exchange programs with renowned universities
• Joint research initiatives with Tibetan and Buddhist study centers worldwide
• Hosting global conferences and symposiums on Buddhist philosophy, heritage, and healthcare

2. Digital Preservation of Ancient Tibetan Manuscripts

Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of Tibetan manuscripts, the board discussed digitization efforts to ensure these valuable texts are preserved and made accessible to scholars worldwide.

This initiative aims to:

• Protect ancient manuscripts from deterioration
• Enable global access for researchers and students
• Encourage comparative studies in Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan medicine

3. Infrastructure Development for Academic Growth

To accommodate the growing student and research community, the board proposed infrastructure enhancements, including:

• Expansion of library and research facilities
• Development of on-campus residential spaces for scholars
• Modernization of classrooms and digital learning resources

These developments are expected to attract more scholars and researchers, further establishing NIT as a center of excellence in Tibetan and Buddhist studies.

The Executive Board and General Council meeting of the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) marked an important step toward academic strengthening, faculty expansion, and the establishment of a Sowa Rigpa Hospital.

The Governor’s directives and governmental support reflect a strong commitment to preserving Tibetan and Buddhist studies while ensuring that NIT continues to be a global leader in research and education.

With the introduction of new faculty positions, infrastructure development, and digital preservation efforts, NIT is set to expand its impact in the field of Tibetan studies and traditional medicine, fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and culture in the modern world.