BHU Expands Global Ties with New Collaboration on Research in Pali Studies
Two leading institutions of India and China have joined hands to script a new chapter in deepening global academic collaboration and taking forward the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries. Beginning a new international academic partnership, Banaras Hindu University and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) have inked an MoU for research exchange in the historically significant field of Pali language and literature.
The MoU was signed on Wednesday, with delegations from both sides joining online. The online signing ceremony was held simultaneously at the Central Office, BHU, and the Administrative Building, East Campus, BFSU. The understanding entered into by the universities focuses on academic and research collaboration, bringing together expertise from both institutions to produce significant outcomes. It outlines key areas of collaboration between the two universities, focusing on academic and research initiatives in Pali and related disciplines. It also provides for the exchange of students, scholars, and faculty. The MoU further entails the establishment of joint diploma and degree programmes, and the exchange and sharing of academic materials and information.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Zhao Gang, Vice President, BFSU, and Prof. Arun Kumar Singh, Registrar, BHU.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, in his address, remarked that India takes pride in being the motherland of ancient languages like Pali and Sanskrit. Banaras Hindu University is a heritage institution with a long-standing legacy, he said, comprising around 140 departments across disciplines such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, and Agriculture. He expressed satisfaction that the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies—a “vibrant” centre that connects us to our historical roots—is actively fostering partnerships with global institutions. Describing the present agreement as yet another chapter in this ongoing saga of international collaboration, he emphasised that its true impact would depend on meaningful people-to-people engagement.
Prof. Zhao Gang, Vice President, Beijing Foreign Studies University, described the agreement as a promising development, reflecting the growing academic engagement between China and India and its significance for both countries. He noted that BFSU has been a pioneer in Pali studies, actively contributing to the translation and proofreading of key Pali texts. The university’s Sanskrit and Pali Studies programme, established in 2012, has produced several accomplished professionals in the field. In his closing remarks, Prof. Zhao noted that Varanasi is a sacred city, and that they look forward to visiting Banaras Hindu University, which exemplifies the unique confluence of classical and modern education.
The delegates from BHU included Prof. Sushma Ghildyal, Dean, Faculty of Arts; Prof. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Coordinator, International Centre; and Prof. Arun Kumar Yadav, Head, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies.
The delegates from BFSU included Ms. Gong Jing, Deputy Director, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation; Prof. Su Yingying, Dean, School of Asian Studies; Mr. Gu Jiayun, Associate Professor and Vice Dean, School of Asian Studies; Mr. Wang Yuexian, Chief of Exchange Section, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation; Ms. Tang Yuxuan, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation; Ms. Zhou Liqun, Associate Professor and Director, Pali and Sanskrit, School of Asian Studies; and Ms. Li Ying, Associate Professor, Department of Pali and Sanskrit, School of Asian Studies.