Nalanda Diary

Raj Bhavan – NU Lecture Series

S. Gurumurthy on “Atmanirbharta and MAGA in a Multipolar World”

October 13, 2025; Raj Bhavan, Patna | The Raj Bhavan–Nalanda University Lecture Series was formally inaugurated on 13 October 2025 at Raj Bhavan, Patna, marking the beginning of a new monthly platform for dialogue between academia, policymakers, and society. The inaugural lecture was delivered by renowned thinker and economist Shri Swaminathan Gurumurthy on the theme “Atmanirbharta and MAGA in a Multipolar World.”

In his keynote address, Shri Gurumurthy reflected on the global transition from a unipolar to a multipolar order and cautioned against societies becoming disconnected from their cultural roots. He argued that Atmanirbharta must be understood not merely as economic self-sufficiency but as a deeper civilizational consciousness anchored in duty, ethics, and self-awareness. Emphasising India’s intellectual traditions, he called upon the youth to rediscover strength in indigenous wisdom to respond confidently to global uncertainties.

Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University, described the lecture series as a sustained intellectual initiative aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue. He remarked that the platform seeks to “build bridges between knowledge systems, public policy, and citizens, while aligning academic discourse with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.”

Delivering the presidential address, Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, drew upon the Upanishads to reinterpret human rights as flowing from the inherent divinity within all beings. Citing Vidura from the Mahabharata, he highlighted moral strength and self-realisation as the true foundations of self-reliance.

The inaugural lecture set a reflective and civilizational tone for the series, reaffirming Nalanda University’s commitment to public scholarship and national discourse.

International Conference on Global Dharma and Ethics

November 28, 2025; Nalanda University Campus | Nalanda University successfully concluded the International Conference on “Dharma and Global Ethics: Insights from Bhāratīya Śāstra Paramparā” on 28 November 2025 at its Rajgir campus. The conference brought together eminent scholars, policymakers, spiritual thinkers, and academic leaders from India and abroad to deliberate on the relevance of ancient Indian knowledge systems in addressing contemporary ethical, social, and sustainability challenges.

The programme commenced with the chanting of the Dhyāna Śloka from the Bhagavad Gītā, setting a contemplative tone. Prof. Godabarisha Mishra, Dean, SBSPCR and Conference Coordinator, welcomed the participants. In the inaugural address, Ms. Anju Ranjan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, underlined the growing interdependence of nations and emphasised shared ethical values as the foundation of global trust and cooperation.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ganti S. Murthy, National Coordinator, Indian Knowledge Systems Division, highlighted the holistic nature of Indian intellectual traditions and their relevance for ethical leadership and scientific inquiry. Padma Shri Prof. Chirapat Prapandvidya of Thailand spoke on Asia’s shared civilisational heritage, describing Dharma as a universal human value reflected in Sanskrit and Pali literature.

In his Presidential Address, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University, stressed the urgent need to integrate compassion, interdependence, and ethical restraint into global policy and everyday life. The conference featured four thematic sessions spanning culture, philosophy, economics, and the environment, along with a public dialogue on Lokasaṃgraha. The event concluded with a collective commitment to advancing global ethics, sustainability, and civilisational dialogue, while also commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.