KATHMANDU, Oct 29: A seminar on updating the syllabus for Master of Arts in Buddhism and Himalayan Studies was held at the Lumbini College of Buddhism and Himalayan Studies at Taragaun premises,  Kathmandu. The one-day seminar focused on updating and revitalizing the concept of ‘Stream B: Heritage Conservation and Traditional Architecture’ under the syllabus. 

Academics and teaching faculty of Lumbini Buddhist University made presentations on the course structure, objectives and long-term significance of the program in Nepal.

Ramesh K. Dhungel, executive chairman at Lumbini College of Buddhism and Himalayan Studies, and  Sudarshan Raj Tiwari, resource expert for heritage conservation stream, made presentations on traditional heritage conservation and architectural survey, respectively.

Former chief of National Archives Bhim Nepal and senior architect Deepak Panta commented on the two presentations, respectively. 

“With a view of educating, instilling the value of heritage conservation, and producing enough human resource, this type of course has been especially designed for the first time in Nepal,” Dhungel said. “We are rich in heritages that have historical, cultural and aesthetic significance. It was felt necessary to conserve them for future study and research.”

“The scope of the program is to make the students competent in a cultural-critical methodology for recognition of the qualities of cultural expressions, specific in each case,” he added.

“Legal protection is the first step to support heritage conservation, so it is crucial to impart knowledge to the students on legal perspectives and procedures,” commented Nepal.

Meanwhile, Panta’s comment was focused on setting prerequisites and designing well-defined learning output. “In case of managing the historic sites, a regulation of certain rules and conducts could be beneficial while visiting the historic sites,” added Panta.

“This course will certainly impart in-depth knowledge and systematic concept of architectural structures and their renovations or deformations,” mentioned Tiwari. 

“The students will be able to analyze traditional architectural building on-site. They will be able to understand tectonic connections in the building and the associated architectural elements to carry out methodological work and procedures within the framework of scientific projects,” he further added.