Embassy of India

Phnom Penh

PRESS RELEASE

On the occasion of Kathina festival Ambassador of India Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade offered a token of reverence to Samdech Venerable Dr. Khy Sovanaratana, Acting Rector, PSBRU, Phnom Penh

Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Kingdom of Cambodia held a meeting with Samdech Venerable Dr. Khy Sovanaratana, Acting Rector of Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University (PSRBU) on 6th November, 2020 in Phnom Penh. Samdech warmly welcomed Ambassador and introduced her with the top functionaries of the University. He highlighted close and long relationship of PSRBU with Embassy of India and Government of India. He briefed Ambassador about the history of PSBRU and its role in preservation and progess of Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy in Cambodia though various courses on Buddhism in the University in addition to highlighting other courses of study conducted by the University. He also gave a detailed information about the structure and functioning of Buddhist Sangha in Cambodia.

2. Acting Rector Samdech Sovanaratana thanked Embassy for past deep cooperation between the University and Government of India by way of deputation of full time Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair who has been imparting education in Buddhist philosophy and Sanskrit to the students of PSRBU at bachelors and post-graduate level. He also thanked Government of India for organization of two International Buddhist Conference in Cambodia, last organized recently in September, 2018 which witnessed participation of Buddhist experts and monks from most of the Buddhist countries of the region and elsewhere including majority from India. He further proposed organization of a similar Buddhist Conference in near future. He also proposed allocation of additional number of Indian scholarship slots for the students of PSRBU.

3. Ambassador of India expressed her keen interest in enhancing the cooperation through various educational and cultural activities and projects. In keeping with the plural and diverse traditions of India, as a practicing Buddhist herself, Ambassador committed herself to enhancing cooperation to promote Buddhist education to Cambodian students and scholars in Cambodia and in Buddhist institutions of repute in India. She proposed organization of integrated English and IT classes in the University itself by inviting experts from India for human resource development in Cambodia as well as prepare the prospective students to avail of the scholarships in India in different universities and other institutions. Various other proposals to further strengthen the relationship between PSRBU and Government of India were discussed and both the sides resolved to take them forward with mutual consultation. Before departure, Ambassador made offerings of food to Samdech and other monks as a symbol her respect to them.