The Ministry of Minority Affairs has approved a proposal from the University of Delhi to establish the Centre for Advanced Studies in Buddhism. The Buddhist study centre will be constructed at the university campus at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and the Buddhist Development Plan (BDP).

The centre will also include various courses in Buddhist studies like undergraduation, postgraduation, Ph.D., and research programs. It will also try to strengthen the required infrastructure. The University will collaborate with the Ministry to enhance educational opportunities for minority communities in the country.

DU will have the onus to develop curriculum guidelines and subject materials for all required courses including certificate courses, diploma courses, and PhD programs in Buddhist studies in collaboration with the subject expert.

Delhi University will organize training programs and workshops for faculty members involved in teaching Buddhist studies courses to enhance their pedagogical skills and subject knowledge. The Empowered Committee of PMJVK would examine the detailed cost estimates from the University before funds are released for the establishment of the said centre.

The University of Delhi will also collaborate with subject experts on research projects related to Buddhist studies, thereby encouraging faculty members and students to undertake interdisciplinary research that contributes to the understanding and preservation of Buddhist culture and language.

Meanwhile, the University has decided to introduce a course on the Science of Happiness in the curriculum of its various programs offered in five women’s colleges and varsity departments from the next academic session.

The university, along with five of its women’s colleges, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness to offer the course and set up a Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness in these colleges. Delhi University may modify this curriculum to match the needs of students and credit structure.

“Happiness is most important in life. Understanding the idea and need for the science of happiness, DU has decided to include the course on Science of Happiness in the curriculum of the programs running in its departments and colleges,” Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh said.

Once the curriculum is finalised, DU will notify the same and its colleges may make necessary arrangements for offering the course on the Science of Happiness. Initially, the course may be offered as an elective subject. Gradually the administration may develop it into a major or minor subject, the statement said.

The five women’s colleges where the curriculum will be introduced first include Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Gargi College, Indraprastha Women’s College, Miranda House, and Daulat Ram College.