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Bimalendra Kumar
विमलेन्द्र कुमार
1st ICCR Chair at Lumbini Buddhist University [1]
Assumed office
5 September 2023
Personal details
Born (1960-01-07) 7 January 1960 (age 64)
Madhubani, Bihar, India
Nationality  india
SpouseRekha Kumar
Children2
Residence(s) Varanasi, Uttar Pardesh, india
EducationDoctor of Philosophy( Buddhist Studies

Prof. Bimalendra Kumar (विमलेन्द्र कुमार), is a renowned scholar in the field of Buddhist Studies, with a specialization in Pali language and literature, Theravada Buddhism, Abhidhamma Philosophy, and Tibetan Buddhism. Born on January 7, 1960, he has made significant contributions to academia through his extensive teaching career, research endeavors, and prolific publications. Prof. Kumar has left an indelible mark on the academic community through his teaching, research, and publications.

Early Life and Education

Bimalendra Kumar obtained his M.A. in Buddhist Studies (1985), M.Phil. in Buddhist Studies (1987), and Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies (1990) from the University of Delhi. His doctoral thesis, “Analytical Study of Patthāna-pakarana,” focused on elucidating the philosophy of the relation of mind and matter based upon the materials in the texts of Abhidhamma Pitaka and their commentaries and sub-commentaries.

Academic Career

Prof. Kumar's illustrious teaching career spans 34 years, during which he has served in various capacities at renowned institutions such as Delhi University, Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan, and Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi. Currently, he holds the position of Professor in the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Arts, at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.). He has been deputed as the first ICCR Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair of Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini, Nepal, for a year starting from September 1, 2023, under the MoU of ICCR and LBU, Lumbini, Nepal, signed in the presence of Hon. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal Shri Sher Bahadur Deuba in May 2022. Prof Kumar has delivered a series of lectures on Buddhism at the University of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Silpakorn University, Thailand, and Indo-Thai Cultural Centre, Bangkok, Thailand, at the invitation of the Indian Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand, from August 2, 2023, to August 12, 2023.

Research and Publications

Prof. Kumar's research prowess is evidenced by his extensive publication record, which comprises edition editing of eighteen books and over 125 articles. His seminal work includes the Devanagari of the editing text Pali Bhesajjamañjūsā, a monumental contribution to the study of Ayurveda in Pali Langauge. Furthermore, his editorship of The Mahabodhi and Dhammadoot journals has significantly bolstered the dissemination of Buddhist teachings at the global level, earning recognition and inclusion of journals in the UGC Care List of Journals.

Academic Leadership and Legacy

As a seasoned academician, Prof. Kumar has played pivotal roles as a coordinator, convener, and member of various academic bodies, fostering collaboration and scholarly exchange within the field of Pali and Buddhist Studies. His mentorship has guided twenty-eight research scholars to successfully complete their Ph.D. degrees, empowering a new generation of scholars to contribute to the discipline of Buddhist Studies. Prof. Kumar, for the last thirty years, has been an arduous, hard-working, and sincere scholar. As a result, he has been able to not only accomplish several research projects but also produce a good number of students who, in turn, are also contributing in the field of Pali and Buddhist Studies, wherever they are placed. Most of his Ph.D. research scholars have been placed as Assistant Professors and Associate Professors in Indian universities, and they are contributing in the field of Pali and Buddhist studies.

Recognition and Impact

Prof. Kumar's scholarly endeavors have garnered widespread acclaim, both nationally and internationally. His comparative study of Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan language and literature has earned him a rare position of distinction among contemporary scholars. His innovative methodologies and deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy have attracted attention from scholars worldwide, positioning him as a celebrated authority in the field of Pali and Buddhist studies.

Contributions to Oriental Studies

Prof. Kumar's publications have been widely recognized and published by esteemed publishers in Oriental Studies, including Aditya Prakashan, New Delhi; Buddhist World Press, Delhi; Eastern Book Linkers, Delhi; Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; and Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi. His commitment to the advancement of the study of Pali language and literature has inspired countless scholars and students to explore the rich heritage of Buddhist thought and tradition.

Awards and honors received

Prof. Kumar was Awarded Viśesa Puruskāra for the year 2016 by his Excellency Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ram Naik, and Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the Smmāna Samāroha. Organized by Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Sansthan, Lucknow on February 7 ,2017. Prof. Kumar was awarded the `Vidvat Bushan’ samman for the contribution to Buddhist philosophy by Akhil Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad, Varanasi on December 18,2022

Legacy

Dr. Bimalendra Kumar's enduring legacy lies in his profound impact in the field of Pali and Buddhist studies. His dedication, scholarship, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire generations of scholars to engage with Buddhist philosophy and literature, ensuring his place among the most esteemed figures in the academic community.

References

  1. ^ "Lumbini Buddhist University - Nepal".