Dr. Usha Chakma

Early Buddhism, Theravāda Buddhism
Dr. Usha Chakma will obtain her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in September 2026. She has successfully passed her Ph.D dissertation defense on 10 April 2026. Besides that, she holds Bachelor of Arts in Oriental Languages (2014) and a Master of Arts in Pāli Language (2015) from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Furthermore, she obtained her second M.A. degree in Buddhist Studies at IBC (2019).

Dr. Usha Chakma served as a Teaching Assistant for courses e.g. Buddhism and Other World Religions and Theravāda Buddhism (2025/2026). Moreover, she has worked as a volunteer English teacher in local schools across southern Thailand and gained project management experience as a Coordinator for Ten Consultant Co., Ltd. in Bangkok.

Dr. Usha Chakma was also awarded the Warden’s List Award (2018/2019) in recognition of her commitment to the IBC community. While her primary area of expertise is Early and Theravāda Buddhism, her recent research explores the intersection of these traditions with contemporary community life, through ethnographic studies of local ceremonial practices.

Articles Publication:
“The Nature and Significance of Buddhist Ceremonial Practices of the Chakma Community in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh.” International Young Buddhist Scholars Conference (Proceedings), Penang, Malaysia, 2024.
“Venerable Karunabangsha Mahathera: The Source of Inspiration and Loving Kindness.” Unconquerable Venerable Karunabansha Bhikkhu’s Mahasthavir Commemorative Publication, 2023.

“Brahmavihāra as the Objects of Meditation.” e-Journal of Than Hsiang Buddhist Research Centre, Vol. 6, 2019. Available at: http://research.thanhsiang.org/2019vol6
Conference Presentations

“The Luris: A Buddhist Tradition in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.” 1st Asian Association for Buddhist Studies Conference, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. 2025. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tJFYK7gNSk
“The Nature and Significance of Buddhist Ceremonial Practices of the Chakma Community in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh.” International Young Buddhist Scholars Conference, Penang, Malaysia, 2024.