Kathmandu. The University School of Buddhist Studies & Civilization (USoBSC), Gautam Buddha University, conducted the Viva-Voce Examination of three international Ph.D. research scholars on 22nd September 2025 at 10:00 AM in School of Building.
The examination was evaluated by Prof. K. T. S. Sarao, Professor of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi, a globally acclaimed scholar of Buddhism. Prof Sarao was President Medal Awardee for his outstanding work in the area of Buddhist Studies, Pali, history, engaged Buddhism, Buddhist Archaeology and PhD from Delhi and Cambridge University and along with that 3 times D. Litt. Degree awarded and visiting Prifessor at many unuversities in India and abroad. The event was coordinated by Dr. Gyanaditya Shakya, Research Coordinator, while Dr. Chintala Venkata Sivasai, Head of the Department, introduced the external expert.
All three research scholars completed their doctoral work under the supervision of Prof. Arvind Kumar Singh, currently serving as Visiting Professor at Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal, on the ICCR Chair, who traveled from Lumbini to attend the event. He came to encourage and motivate his scholars so that they can do well in their presentation before such a claimed expert of Buddhist Studies.
The scholars and their thesis topics were:
1. Bhikkhu Nguyen Minh Chinh (Vietnam): Development of Mahayana Buddhism in China: A Survey (1st to 6th Century CE)
2. Bhikkhuni Mai Thi Diem (Vietnam): Modern Śākyadhītās: A Study of the Struggles and Accomplishments of Engaged Buddhist Women of Asia
3. Bhikkhu Arnandar / Ashin Ananda (Myanmar): Gratitude to Parents in Buddhism: A Blueprint for Mindful Parenting
The session highlighted the University’s growing reputation as a hub for international Buddhist Studies, attracting scholars from across Asia. The diversity of research—from the historical development of Mahayana Buddhism in China, to the accomplishments of modern Buddhist women, to engaged Buddhist approaches to mindful parenting—underscored the global and interdisciplinary character of scholarship at Gautam Buddha University.
Faculty members emphasized that the presence of eminent experts and the achievements of international scholars reaffirm the University’s standing as a leading center for Buddhist Studies and cross-cultural academic exchange.
