The much awaited foundation stone for the International Buddhist University, the first in India, was laid in Sabroom under South Tripura district on Tuesday.

Shakya Gasan, the chief monk of the World Buddhist Pope Organisation of South Korea, laid the foundation stone in presence of delegates from seven nations, including Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Dalai Lama, who could not attend the programme due to health issues, in a message said he hoped that the university will fulfill an important role, not only in Tripura but also throughout the Northeast and beyond, in making better known India's long-standing traditions of 'karuna' (compassion)and 'ahimsa' (nonviolence).

During the  colourful foundation stone laying ceremony  of the Dhamma Dipa  International  Buddhist University at Manu Bankul in Sabroom in the presence of thousands of enthusiastic people including  the local MLA  and monks from across the country and from other parts of the world.

Apart from  Shakya  Gasan, Chief Monk ,World Buddhist Pope Organisation,   Ven Dr Dhammapiya, Chairman Bahujana Hitaya Educational Trust (BHET) , Ven Bhikshuni Mani, South Korea and Ven Dhammadipa of South Korea who also spoke at the event.

In his address, Gasan said the world must thank India for nurturing Buddhist culture and tradition.

"During the Korean war, India stood behind South Korea by sending medicines and medicos for our soldiers. We must repay it," he said.  The students from 31 countries will get a chance to study as well as research Buddhist literature, culture and tradition in the proposed varsity. Besides, there is also a plan to establish medical, technical and general degree colleges on the campus, officials earlier said.

It may be recalled here that the Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University Bill 2022 was passed by the state assembly in September. The state government has given 25.28 acre of land for the university at a price of Rs 75.84 lakh, while the trust has sought 100 acres more land for it.

Religion is deep-rooted and it has no boundaries. The spiritual relationship between the people of this subcontinent, including India, with other spiritual-loving countries, including Southeast Asia, has been in touch from times immemorial. Takshasheela, Nalanda, and Vikramashila universities played an important vital role in spreading educational knowledge in India and these subcontinents. As the successor of that tradition in ancient times, Dharmadipa International Buddhist University is striving to carry the blessings of modern education to the next generation. Today is a historic and happy day for us all as the foundation stone of the first International Buddhist University is being laid in the state of Tripura, India said  Dr. Ven Dharmapriya, General Secretary of International Buddhist Organization in his inaugural speech at the event.

Speaking in the programme local MLA Shankar Roy said it was former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb who had promised to set up a Buddhist university in Sabroom in South Tripura district, bordering Bangladesh.

"Today's event is really historic and the first step to fulfill the promise of the ex-chief minister. The varsity will not only focus on Buddhism, but also offer courses in medical sciences and engineering," he said.

Dhammapiya later told the media  that he wants to start academic activities from the next academic session if the state government provides a temporary facility.

Bahujana Hitaya Educational Trust (BHET) , an NGO, will fund the project and all are welcome to donate to the cause," he said. Around 50,000 Buddhists live in Tripura, which has a population of 40 lakh. People of Mog, Uchoi and Chakma communities are traditionally Buddhists.