Lumbini Buddhist University and the Siddhartha Institute of Hospitality, a prominent entity under the Siddhartha Business Group, have formalized a strategic collaboration aimed at enriching the academic and practical training of students in the field of hospitality.
The partnership was officially sealed during a signing ceremony held in Kathmandu. The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Harisharan Chankhu, Dean of the University’s Humanities and Sociology Department, and Chintamani Neupane, President of the Siddhartha Business Group.
This collaboration will enable students pursuing a Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM) degree to gain comprehensive knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, combined with practical experience in the hospitality sector. The initiative is designed to provide students not only with academic insights but also with opportunities to earn while they learn.
Prof. Dr. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting its potential to enhance the university’s academic quality and contribute to the broader business sector. “This engagement is expected to improve our academic standards and produce qualified professionals, benefiting the entire industry,” he stated.
Chintamani Neupane, President of Siddhartha Business Group, emphasized the potential of this collaboration to retain students within the country. “Many students migrate abroad for further studies after Plus Two. We believe that this collaboration will offer them opportunities to study and earn here, thus reducing the tendency to leave the country for education,” he said.
Krishna Prasad Neupane, CEO of Siddhartha Business Group, highlighted that the program is structured to allow students to recover their educational expenses through practical classes conducted in various hotels, resorts, and cafes associated with Siddhartha Hospitality. “Our aim is to provide students with practical experiences that will also help them earn during their studies,” he added.
The signing event was attended by University Registrar Dr. Tilakram Acharya, professors, senior staff from both institutions, and members of the Siddhartha Business Group, including Vice President Krishna Prasad Bhandari and General Secretary Muktiram Bhandari.
Dean Chankhu expressed his excitement about collaborating with Siddhartha, a renowned name in Nepal’s hospitality industry, and looks forward to the mutual benefits that this partnership will bring.
This collaboration marks a significant step in bridging academic learning with practical experience in the hospitality sector, promising enhanced career prospects for students and valuable contributions to the industry.
