Nalanda University’s New Research Hub: a strategic door for Indo-Pacific Diplomacy
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the second convocation of Nalanda University in Rajgir, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to revive its ancient intellectual heritage. During the ceremony, Secretary (East) P. Kumaran inaugurated the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, fulfilling a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 ASEAN-India Summit. This new facility aims to act as a primary research engine for the ASEAN-India Plan of Action spanning 2026 to 2030.
Bridging History and Modern Diplomacy
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised that the university now serves as a crossroads where tradition meets technology. The newly established research centre focuses on ten distinct pillars, including maritime studies, digital cooperation, and climate change. By hosting students from over 30 nations, the institution is successfully democratising the global knowledge order. President Murmu noted that more than half of the current graduating class consists of international scholars, mirroring the university's historical role as a magnet for global thinkers.
Restoring a Civilizational Legacy
Nalanda’s resurgence is not merely an academic exercise but a geopolitical statement. For nearly 800 years, the original university stood as the world’s premier seat of learning before its destruction. Its modern reincarnation reflects India's "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" (Development with Heritage) philosophy. This revival holds particular resonance for Odisha, as ancient maritime links between the Kalinga coast and Southeast Asia once mirrored the very academic and trade networks Nalanda seeks to rebuild today.
Ambassadors and high-level representatives from partner nations attended the event, signaling strong regional support. The university now functions as a vital link for policy engagement and cultural exchange. As graduates return to their respective countries, they carry forward a legacy that prioritizes dialogue and intellectual commitment over conflict.
