New Delhi – 24 February 2012
Ambassador Pisan Manawapat presented the Royal Thai Government’s donation of US$ 100,000, as well as a further contribution of US $ 5,000 from the C.P. Group, to Nalanda University’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Gopa Sabharwal at the Indian International Center. Dr. J.N. Mishra, Joint Secretary (Nalanda), Ministry of External Affairs and representatives of the Nalanda University, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Royal Thai Embassy were also present during the ceremony.
Ambassador Pisan remarked that it was an honour for him to be delivering on the promise made by the Thai Prime Minister during her State Visit to India as the Chief Guest of Republic Day. India, as the custodian of Buddhist heritage, has a special connection to Thailand. Nalanda University was a center of Buddhist learning and for many Thai Buddhist pilgrims, visiting the old site of Nalanda is a part of their spiritual journey. The revival of Nalanda University as the world’s leading educational institution deserves the active support of not only East Asia Summit members but also like-minded countries.
In addition to the Government, the Foreign Minister has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a special account for the private sector to make contributions to the Nalanda University Project. In addition to the C.P. Group, Thai companies such as PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), Srithai Superware, Bangkok Bank, and Krungthai Bank already have made contribution amounting over 30,000 US Dollars.
Dr. Gopa Sabharwal expressed her appreciation to the Thailand for participating in a real manner toward the revival of Nalanda. As the benchmark University of the 21st Century, Nalanda will become a symbol of Asia’s resurgence. She commended the Thai Government’s lead in involving the private sector, which has broadened the participation base of donors beyond governments.
For Thai companies that are interested in donating to the Thai Government’s fund for Nalanda University, deposits can be made to:
Account Name: Thailand Fund for Nalanda University
Bank: Krungthai Bank, Samyod Branch
Account Number: 002-6-18813-9
Type: Current Account
Currency: Baht
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue a receipt to the donor. However, since this donation does not fall within the Department of Customs’ regulations on tax deductions, the donation is not tax deductible.
Related links:
Thailand gives $100,000 for Nalanda University
Chamsai Menasveta