This story is from September 2, 2014

Tabo to have institute of Buddhist studies

Tabo, also known as "The Ajanta of Himalayas" is all set to get a world class institute for Buddhist studies, to be developed as an innovative centre of Buddhist learning.
Tabo to have institute of Buddhist studies
SHIMLA: Tabo, also known as "The Ajanta of Himalayas" is all set to get a world class institute for Buddhist studies, to be developed as an innovative centre of Buddhist learning. Located in Spiti subdivision of Lahaul-Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh, Tabo monastery has been a centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and tribal culture since its inception in 996 AD.
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh said here on Monday that the Union ministry of culture has in principle agreed to establish the Indian Institute of Bodh Darshan (IIBD) at Tabo, with a view to preserve and promote the ancient seat of Buddhist studies. The Rs 45-crore project will be fully funded by the Central government, he said.
Declared as a protected monument by Archaeological Survey of India, Tabo monastery has some of the oldest and most exquisite Buddhist murals and antique paintings in the world, dating back to the 11th century.
"Tabo has evolved as an important centre of learning and setting up of IIBD will further bring the state on the international map, which will help scholars and academicians pursue higher studies on Buddhist literature," he said.
The CM had suggested establishment of the institute at Tabo during the previous UPA regime to the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The proposed centre will be a landmark institution to preserve and publicize it as the ancient seat of Buddhist studies.
Land measuring around 30 acres at Mohal Dhaang Chummi had been cleared by Union government and necessary clearances from forest department were underway, the CM said. It would be transferred in the name of Union ministry of culture soon for setting up the institute, he added.
The state government has already conveyed its approval to the proposed Institute. However, the proposal remained held up since 2011 due to site related issues. The Union government has now finally accepted the recommendation of the state government. "It will serve not only monks and students from remote areas of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, but also learned scholars from far and wide and help preserve the ancient seat of Buddhist Studies and blend it with the contemporary," the chief minister said.
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