On May 3rd, Mr. Prasant Tripathi, Deputy Director General of the India-Taipei Association (ITA), visited the College of Buddhist Studies and the Center for Buddhist Studies. He met with Professor Wan Jinchuan (Director of the Center for Buddhist Studies), Professor Chao-Shun Guo (Dean of the College of Buddhist Studies), Professor Zheng Wei-Yi (Chair of the Department of Buddhist Studies), and Lin Hsin-Yi (Executive Secretary of the Center).
During the meeting, Mr. Tripathi expressed a desire for increased exchange with both the Center and the Department. Additionally, he held a roundtable discussion with Indian international students studying in the Department to understand their academic progress and living conditions.
Center Director Professor Wan Jinchuan began by introducing how the College and the Center play complementary roles in both Buddhist teaching and research. Dean Chao-Shun Guo then introduced the Department’s faculty and their areas of expertise, specifically highlighting several professors specializing in Indian Buddhism.
Deputy Director General Tripathi explained that his visit aimed to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the Indian government and Taiwan’s Buddhist academic institutions and organizations. The discussion covered various aspects and details of potential future cooperation. He also invited the College of Buddhist Studies and the Center for Buddhist Studies to delegate scholars to India to participate in the annual Buddhist academic exchange summit.
During the meeting, both parties discussed specific items and details for future exchanges. Department Chair Professor Zheng Wei-Yi also indicated plans to lead students to India for a study program focused on Buddhist cave temples and art archaeology, expressing sincere anticipation for future cooperation and exchange between the two sides.
