Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Saturday at the Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS) in West Kameng district. The agreements focus on advancing social, emotional, and ethical (SEE) learning in academic curricula and using artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve the Bhoti and Hindi languages.
Boosting Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning
The first MoU establishes a collaboration between Flowering Dharma of Ladakh and CIHCS. This partnership will integrate SEE learning into academic programs. SEE learning is an educational framework that combines insights from ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience.
This initiative aims to develop students’ emotional intelligence, foster critical thinking, and promote ethical decision-making skills. Chief Minister Khandu stated on X, a social media platform, that the program will help build “happier and wiser learners equipped for life beyond classrooms.” The goal is to prepare students for challenges and opportunities outside traditional academic settings.
AI for Language Preservation
The second MoU addresses language preservation through digital innovation. This agreement brings together three entities: the Centre for Study and Practice of Theravada (SPT) from Athens, CIHCS, and the AI platform Paliverse.
This collaboration will develop advanced language tools. These tools are designed to support translation, facilitate language learning, and enhance cross-cultural communication. The project specifically targets the preservation and promotion of the Bhoti (Tibetan) and Hindi languages.
Chief Minister Khandu emphasized the importance of leveraging digital innovation. He stated that these efforts are crucial for safeguarding the indigenous knowledge systems and linguistic diversity found across India’s northeast region. Officials stated the agreement provides a modern approach to cultural preservation.
Institute Development and Future Capacity
During his visit, Chief Minister Khandu also reviewed the Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies’ (CIHCS) expansion plans. The institute aims to increase its capacity to accommodate 1,500 boys and girls in the coming years. This expansion will allow more students to access the educational and cultural programs offered by CIHCS.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for new infrastructure at the institute. These include a new boys’ hostel with a capacity for 150 students and ‘Type-III’ staff quarters. These developments will support the institute’s growth and provide improved facilities for students and faculty.
Chief Minister Khandu congratulated CIHCS for these collaborations. He acknowledged the institute’s efforts in shaping “well-rounded, value-based education.” These initiatives mark a step towards integrating modern educational approaches with cultural preservation in Arunachal Pradesh.