Last Updated on April 1, 2026 1:59 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
By Andalib Akhter
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Tuesdau attended and addressed the convocation ceremony of Nalanda University at Rajgir in Bihar, urging the institution to emerge as a leading global centre of learning rooted in India’s civilisational values.
Addressing the graduating students, President Murmu said the convocation ceremony reaffirmed a civilisational promise that knowledge would endure, dialogue would prevail and learning would continue to serve humanity. She congratulated the graduating students, noting that their achievements reflected perseverance, discipline and intellectual commitment.
Highlighting the international character of the university, the President expressed satisfaction that more than half of the graduating cohort consisted of international students from over 30 countries, describing it as a reflection of Nalanda’s historic global outlook.
Revival of an Ancient Centre of Learning
President Murmu said the ancient Nalanda University was one of the world’s most renowned centres of learning for nearly eight centuries. Its decline, she said, represented a monumental loss not only for India but for the entire world.
However, she added that the idea of Nalanda never disappeared, and its revival in modern times symbolises a collective national and international commitment to restoring that legacy in a contemporary framework.
The President noted that the revival of the university had been made possible through visionary leadership, sustained institutional efforts and cooperation among partner nations, demonstrating how countries guided by shared values could achieve ambitious goals together.
Knowledge Rooted in Ethics and Dialogue
Emphasising Nalanda’s historical tradition, President Murmu said the ancient institution welcomed diverse ideologies and encouraged a culture of debate and dialogue. Knowledge, she noted, was never viewed in isolation but was closely connected with ethics, society and the welfare of humanity.
“In today’s world, which faces multiple complex challenges, the need for independent and critical thinking rooted in compassion is greater than ever,” she said, expressing confidence that Nalanda University would emerge as a leading academic institution in Asia and globally, distinguished by both academic excellence and ethical values.
Focus on Buddhist Studies
President Murmu also highlighted India’s deep connection with Buddhist philosophy and practice, stressing that this heritage should be nurtured through a comprehensive understanding of India’s classical knowledge traditions.
She said Buddhist scholarship must remain anchored in India’s civilisational foundations while engaging with its diverse expressions across Asia. She urged the university to invest in Buddhist studies with depth, openness and commitment, adding that Nalanda had the potential to develop into a major global centre for such research.
Role in India’s Development Vision
Referring to historical accounts that the library of ancient Nalanda once housed millions of manuscripts, the President said the modern university should aspire to create a similarly enduring legacy of knowledge.
“As India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, institutions like Nalanda University will play a vital role in shaping intellectual and cultural leadership,” she said.
The convocation ceremony marked another step in the revival of Nalanda as an international centre of learning, drawing students and scholars from across the world.