Nalanda Diary

Strengthening Scholarly Synergies: Nalanda University’s Academic and Policy Engagements in Pune

November 22-24, 2025 | Vice Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi’s visit to Pune from 22–24 Nov., reflected Nalanda University’s sustained engagement with India’s leading centres of scholarship, policy research and knowledge traditions.

On 22 November, at Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), Prof. Chaturvedi met Trustees and senior scholars, including Shri Bhupal Patwardhan, Prof. Pradeep Apte, Shreekant Bahulkar and Dr. Shreenand Bapat. Discussions explored collaboration in manuscript studies, data sharing, faculty exchange and joint academic programmes, resonating with Nalanda’s vision of reviving India’s classical knowledge ecosystems. The same day, at Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Prof. Prasad Joshi, VC (I/C), showcased its achievements, including the iconic Sanskrit Dictionary Project and historic scriptorium. Possibilities for joint workshops, innovative courses and academic exchanges were discussed, alongside a tribute paid by Prof. Chaturvedi to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak at his study room.

On 23 November, Prof. Chaturvedi delivered a keynote address on South–South Cooperation at the Alithos Research Foundation, articulating India’s partnership-driven development approach and the role of emerging technologies in shaping Global South collaboration. On 24 November, as Chief Guest at National Institute of Bank Management, Pune, he released the India Banking & Finance Report 2025, delivered a keynote address and engaged with students and faculty on macro-financial challenges. Visit concluded with a meaningful interaction with Pujya Tai Ma, founder of Veerayatan, exploring avenues for collaboration in Jain Studies and philosophy.

Collectively, these engagements reflect Nalanda University’s integrated approach to scholarship—linking ancient knowledge traditions with contemporary policy, economics and global development discourse. By engaging premier institutions in Indology, archaeology, social sciences and finance, Nalanda reinforced its role as a bridge between civilizational wisdom and modern problem-solving. The visit strengthened inter-institutional synergies and expanded opportunities for joint research and teaching.

Regional Workshop on Cross-Asian Dialogue on Rural Development

07–11 December 2025 , Nalanda University, Bihar | Nalanda University, in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Musubi-Te Foundation, and Asian Confluence, hosted a regional workshop titled “Cross-Asian Dialogue on Rural Development – Challenges and Opportunities” from 07 to 11 December 2025 at the University campus in Rajgir, Bihar.

The workshop brought together thought leaders and experts from India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand to share insights on rural development challenges, emerging opportunities, and context-specific policy innovations across Asia. Key deliberations focused on, Sharing country experiences and research perspectives, Exploring adaptable and scalable policy models and Co-creating collaborative solutions for sustainable and community-driven rural transformation. By fostering dialogue among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders, the platform aimed to advance inclusive, innovative, and resilient rural development across the region.

Nalanda University’s Literary and Cultural Engagements

24–28 November 2025 & 21-25 December 2025 | Nalanda University marked a strong presence in India’s literary and cultural landscape through its strategic institutional engagements during November 2025. The University participated as a Knowledge Partner at the Purvodaya Literary Festival, Kolkata (24–28 November 2025), organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in collaboration with national institutions such as the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the National Book Trust (NBT). Represented by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, along with the Nalanda University team, the University contributed to multidisciplinary dialogues spanning literature, culture, public thought and youth engagement, thereby strengthening its academic visibility in Eastern India.

In parallel, Nalanda University was associated as an Institutional Partner with the Nalanda Literature Festival 2025 during 21-25 December, 2025. A highlight of the festival was an engaging interaction between Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University and Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP, renowned author and diplomat, who explored literature, ideas and India’s rich civilisational ethos. The dialogue reflected Nalanda’s enduring legacy as a space for intellectual exchange and contemporary reflection.