TAXILA: A delegation of Hamalay University Consortium (HUC) Bhutan on Saturday vowed to promote regional, cultural and educational initiatives with Pakistani universities to foster academic collaboration, cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries.

Head of the delegation, Dr Sanchi, while talking to newsmen at Taxila Museum said HUC and Kubix Club, University of Haripur, had announced their commitment to establish a consortium on student mobility and facility exchange programmes.

“This partnership aims to foster academic collaboration, cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two institutions,” she added.

Dr Sanchi extended an invitation to the Kubix Club team and the University of Haripur to visit Bhutan in November this year. She said the visit will facilitate discussions on the consortium’s framework, exchange programmes and potential research collaborations.

Responding to a question, she said the consortium’s objectives included enhancing student mobility and exchange programmes, sharing facilities and resources, promoting joint research initiatives as well as fostering cultural exchange and understanding. This partnership will provide students and faculty members with opportunities for growth, learning, and global engagement. She added that the consortium will also contribute to the development of sustainable and inclusive education practices.

“We are excited to partner with HUC and explore opportunities for student mobility and facility exchange,” said Ishtiaq Hussain, Chief Patron of Kubix Club.

“This consortium aligns with our mission to promote regional, cultural and educational initiatives,” he added.

Earlier, the delegation visited various ancient Buddhist sites besides the Taxila museum. The delegation was received by Anjum Dara, Deputy Director Directorate General of Archaeology Department, who also briefed them about various artifacts on display in the museum. He said there were 4,000 objects, including stone, stucco, terracotta, silver, gold, iron and semiprecious stones.

He also briefed the visitors about the history of Gandhara civilisation, various stupas, statues and other artifacts. The Bhutanese delegation was taken around the main hall which exhibits more than 70 stories of the life of Buddha i.e. from the time of his birth till death.

The delegates also visited the Bodhisattva and Buddha galleries. They were informed that hundreds of monasteries and stupas were built together with Greek and Kushan towns such as Sirkap and Sirsukh, both in Taxila.

“Mainly the display consists of objects from 600 BC to 500 AD,” Mr Dara said. He said Gandhara is the second holy land of Buddhism and it is the place from where the religion flourished across the globe. Historians believe that the first statue of Buddha was created in Taxila while several historical archaeological Gandhara sites located in different parts of Pakistan’s cities including Taxila, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swat are sacred places in the eyes of Buddhists and have potential to attract international tourists from Buddhist countries.

The delegation witnessed some of the oldest historical archaeological artifacts displayed in the museum. They were told that in Taxila stucco (lime plaster) sculptures were used to embellish the sacred area. It was due to the unavailability of schist stone which was used in the Gandhara region.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2024