TU to set up Himalayan research centre

Kathmandu, March 22

Tribhuvan University is all set to establish Trans-Himalayan Research Centre to conduct research on socio-economic, cultural, security and other aspects of Himalayan ranges stretching from South-Central Asia to Latin America.

The establishment of THRC is part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the TU and Sichuan University in China in December 2015 regarding exchange of teachers, researchers, students, and scientific research cooperation.

Dr Khadga KC, coordinator, Master’s programme in International Relations and Diplomacy, today said not only Nepali students but also students from China, India and many other countries will be able to study various aspects of the Himalayan ranges at the centre.

“The main objective of THRC is knowledge production through research on trans-Himalayan range and academic exchange,” Dr KC said, adding, “We are also planning to develop the centre as data bank for Himalayan ranges across the globe.”

He informed that researchers will study various aspects of the Himalayan ranges such as anthropology, culture, population, linguistics, connectivity, social political economy and ecology.“These researches will help bring about prosperity of people in the Himalayan range,” he mentioned.

TU has currently formed a five-member executive committee under the chairmanship of Prof Chintamani Pokharel, dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, TU for the purpose of establishing the centre.

Other members of the committee are Prof Ram Chandra Dhakal, Bimala Shakya and Prof Bhim Subedi.

Similarly, an advisory board comprising Vice Chancellor Tirtha Raj Khaniya, Prof Sudha Tripathi, Dilli Ram Upreti , Prof Bishwombar Pyakurel, Prof Surya Lal Amatya, former chief secretary Lila Mani Poudel, Govinda Nepal and Dr Dilli Raj Khanal has also been formed.