The Story & History of KIBI
The Karmapa International Buddhist Institute was founded from the vision of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu School until his passing in 1981. He envisioned a place where the profound wisdom of the Buddha could be shared beyond the Himalayas, and he outlined several projects to establish the Karma Kagyu lineage internationally – a center where Buddhist philosophy, the theory of perception, and the Tibetan language could be taught with clarity and depth.
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Among these projects was the creation of an institute of higher learning, dedicated to the timeless teachings of the Buddha: the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, in short: KIBI. KIBI was designed to be accessible to Buddhists from around the world, including those unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism, providing a supportive environment in which students can explore the teachings, cultivate understanding, and develop compassion and mindfulness in daily life.
The Founding of KIBI
The efforts of His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, to develop the study and practice of Buddhism in India began with the establishment of the Karmapa Charitable Trust in Gangtok, Sikkim, in 1961, supported by the then political officer, Mr. Appapant. In 1963, he founded the Dharma Chakra Centre monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim, providing a comprehensive Buddhist education for monks and nuns.
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In 1973, he applied to the Government of India for land to create a Buddhist education centre for a global audience. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the government granted 1.45 acres in the Qutab Institutional Area to the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1979. On 8 November 1979, the Foundation Laying Ceremony was performed by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and His Excellency Shri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, then President of India, with the Vice President and Delhi Lt. Governor in attendance.
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Although the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa passed away in 1981, the Karmapa Charitable Trust continued the project. Due to funding limitations, construction was only completed in 1990, when the centre was named the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI). On 5 February 1990, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, the active trustee of the Karmapa Charitable Trust, invited His Excellency Shri Ramaswamy Venketaraman, the 8th President of India, to inaugurate the Institute.
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Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche was appointed chairman, and under his supervision, a board of educators developed a curriculum in Tibetan Buddhist studies, language, and related subjects. Since then, KIBI has been actively providing Buddhist education to students from all over the world.
16th Gyalwa Kamarpa
The Karmapa International Buddhist Institute originates from the wish of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, who was the spiritual leader of the Kagyu School until he passed away in 1981.
KIBI’s Growth and Development
In 2006, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche appointed Prof. Sempa Dorje as the educational director of KIBI. A leading scholar in Tibetan Buddhism and former professor at the Central University for Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, he brought vast experience and academic leadership to the Institute.
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By 2007, the faculty and student body had expanded, reflecting growing interest in Tibetan Buddhist education. On 19 January 2012, the Indian Government officially issued the certificate of registration for the Karmapa International Buddhist Society (KIBS). This certificate was later presented to His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa in a short ceremony.
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In 2014, KIBI launched a Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies program in collaboration with Mewar University (MU), Rajasthan. In 2018, KIBI was officially recognized as a registered learning institution by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. This recognition authorizes KIBI to independently design and conduct its courses, marking a major milestone in the institute’s ongoing development.
KIBS & KIBI member board
KIBI operates under the guidance of the Karmapa International Buddhist Society (KIBS), combining the society’s education and cultural initiatives. The Institute is jointly managed by its academic and administrative offices. The Academic Office is led by Dr. Tsewang Gyatso Bhutia while the Administrative Office is managed by Ven. Skarma Ishey Jungnes.
The KIBS Governing Body
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President Mr. Satya Narayana Raju
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General Secretary Skarma Ishey Jungnes
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Executive Member Dr. Tsewang Gyatso Bhutia
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Executive Member Mr. Hari Prakash Maurya
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Executive Member Prof. Bhagwati Prasad
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Executive Member Prof. Sanjib Kumar Das
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Executive Member Ms. Anju Bhutia
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Executive Member Kelsang Sherpa
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Executive Member Choypel Lepcha
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Executive Member Vedyabhushan Negi
KIBI Academic Committee
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Principal Dr. Tsewang Gyatso
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Member Mr. Satya Narayana Raju
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Member Skarma Ishey Jungnes
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Member Dr. Sanjib Kumar Das
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Member Dr. Jai Prakash Sharma
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Member Dr. Rolf Scheuermann
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Member Mr. Hari Prakash Maurya
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Member Khenpo Tsering Samdrub
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Member Khenpo Lobsang Tsultrim
Administration is managed by
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Venerable Skarma Ishey Jungnes, General Secretary of KIBS
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Thinley Namgyal, Assistant Secretary to General Secretary KIBS
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Sonam Chogyel, Treasurer KIBS
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Choypel Lepcha, Accountant KIBS
KIBI Academic Office
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Dr. Tsewang Gyatso, Principal In charge
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Ms. Ava Belana Brandt, Course Coordinator
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Khenpo Tsering Samdrup, Teacher
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Khenpo Lobsang Tsultrim, Teacher
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Thinley Namgyal, Administrative Assistant