No development sans education: Khandu

Itanagar, Oct 3: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has stressed the importance of education in all spheres of development and emphasised the need for imparting quality education in the state.

''Education is the key to development, hence we need to give due emphasis to education for bringing our state to the mainstream,'' Mr Khandu commented while addressing the first certificate distribution ceremony of Central Institute of Himalayan Cultural Studies (CIHCS) Dahung under West Kameng district yesterday, official sources said here today.

CIHC, a premier institution established in 2003, the foundation stone for which was laid by Tibetan Spiritual Guru Dalai Lama, has presently above a hundred students with 12 faculty members.

Affiliated to the Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi, the institute conducts studies in Himalayan culture and Buddhist philosophy along with modern education.

Lauding the efforts of Rev T G Rinponche in establishing the institution, Mr Khandu said the institution, which is the first of its kind in the entire Northeastern India, focussing on Buddhist philosophy, was the cherished desire of the people.

He said through the medium of such a premier institution the message of love and peace as preached by Lord Buddha would be disseminated to the world.

Congratulating the passed out students of the university, the Chief Minister advised them to make use of the knowledge gained in the institution for the benefit of society.

He further appreciated Principal of the institution Lama Tashi, a Grammy Award nominee, for his effective administration and also for bringing laurels to the state, and urged him to continue to lead the institution for the betterment of the society.

''The convocation ceremony of this premier institution coincides with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who, throughout his life, taught the values of non-violence, truth and peace, which are also the principles of Lord Buddha which need to be instilled in us,'' Mr Khandu said.

While responding to the memorandum submitted by the CIHCS Principal, Mr Khandu assured for providing funds for infrastructure development of the institution.

He also approved the proposal of a mini-hydel power plant and directed state Power Secretary T Norbu to conduct survey work.

The Chief Minister also assured for improving the approach road of the institution which is in a dilapidated condition, the sources added.

UNI