2025 Graduation Ceremony at Kathmandu University

Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI), the Centre for Buddhist Studies, proudly celebrated the achievements of sixteen graduating students on December 10, 2025, during Kathmandu University’s 31st convocation ceremony. With eight students completing their BA degrees and eight earning their MAs, the event marked an important milestone for RYI’s steadily growing academic community and its long-standing commitment to rigorous scholarship in Buddhist philosophy, translation studies, and classical languages.

The ceremony, formally chaired by Rt. Hon. Prime Minister and Chancellor Sushila Karki included a special address by Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. Although the convocation brought together graduates from across Kathmandu University, RYI’s cohort stood out for its scholarly achievements and diverse international representation.

A highlight of the day was a remarkable academic distinction: RYI MA graduate Maite Castellano received Kathmandu University’s gold medal for achieving the highest GPA across the entire institution—an outstanding 4.0. She accepted the award from Prime Minister Karki and the Dean of the School of Arts, Dr. Uddhab Pyakurel. “This is the second time in RYI’s history that one of our students has received a gold medal,” noted a former Director of Programs, reflecting the pride felt throughout the institute.

Castellano completed her Master’s degree in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology with a thesis titled Zheldam (Personal Advice): A Study and Translation of Short Texts from Jamgön Kongtrul’s Treasury of Extensive Teachings, supervised by Dr. Julia Stenzel. Her work contributes to RYI’s long tradition of producing high-quality academic translations and preserving classical Buddhist literature.

RYI Principal Dr. Thomas Doctor joined the graduates at the Dhulikhel campus for the convocation ceremony and later hosted a celebratory gathering at the Dhulikhel Lodge Resort. The day concluded with a shared meal overlooking the Himalayan range—an inspiring backdrop reflecting the sense of accomplishment, gratitude, and aspiration that defined RYI’s participation in this year’s convocation.