Nalanda Diary

During the last quarter, the School of Languages, Literature & Humanities (SLL&H) remained actively engaged in strengthening academic dialogue, cultural understanding, and community connection at Nalanda University. The School hosted enriching guest lectures, literary interactions, and heritage-based engagements that linked classroom learning with lived traditions and contemporary social themes. Student-led activities, including poetry readings, discussions at the Ancient Nalanda Mahāvihāra, and interdisciplinary collaborations among campus clubs, fostered reflective inquiry and creative expression rooted in Nalanda’s civilisational ethos.

Alongside academic pursuits, SLL&H contributed meaningfully to the Sahbhāgita initiative through community-oriented activities and shared cultural experiences with neighbouring schools and villages. Faculty and students also participated in campus sustainability efforts such as sapling plantation drives, reinforcing the integration of humanistic values with environmental responsibility. Together, these initiatives highlighted the School’s commitment to inclusive learning, cultural continuity, and socially engaged scholarship, reflecting Nalanda University’s broader vision of humane, interdisciplinary, and community-centred education.

Dr Smita Singh

Teaching Fellow

Paper Presentation & Activities

• Dr. Smita. “From Epic Silence to Divine Celebration: Shikhandi, Ardhanārīśvara and Queer Histories”. Mini-Melow Conference 2025, The Colours of Pride: Queer Identities in Literature and Culture. Dibrugarh University, Assam, November 20th & 21st 2025.
• Suno-Kaho-Sikho: Community Canvas with Nalanda University – with the students of the Certificate of Proficiency Course in English (COP English) & with MA World Literature & MA Hindi Students.
• As part of Sahabhāgita Samvāda initiative, organized a literary engagement with the local community (school children, women etc.) of Pilkhi village, Rajgir.

Dr Divya Sharma

Teaching Associate

Publications

• Sharma D, Sharma B. Yoga as a non-pharmacological approach in modulating autonomic function and heart disease management. Journal of Geriatric Care and Research, 2025, 12, 2: 64-71.

School Activities

Guest Lecture on Health, Hygiene and Social Responsibility

01 December 2025 | The School of Languages and Literature / Humanities (SLLH), through the Gender Sensitisation Committee, hosted an inspiring guest lecture by Mr. Munish Gupta, Chairman of Aakar Innovations & PIO TV, on “Health and Hygiene: Science, Sustainability and Social Responsibility.” The session offered valuable insights into the interlinkages between health, menstrual hygiene, scientific innovation, sustainability, and the Sustainable Development Goals, while resonating with Nalanda University’s Net-Zero vision. The lecture encouraged informed dialogue, awareness, and a sense of social responsibility among students and faculty.

Literary and Cultural Engagement at Ancient Nalanda Mahāvihāra

12 October 2025 | In a collaborative initiative of the Literary Club MANTHAN, the Debate Society, and the Heritage Club, SLLH students visited the Ancient Nalanda Mahāvihāra for a unique literary engagement. The programme featured poetry readings inspired by Nalanda, reflections on the ancient education system, and discussions on the continuing relevance of the Nalanda ethos. The visit fostered a meaningful dialogue between heritage and modernity, reaffirming Nalanda’s living legacy of inquiry, creativity, and wisdom.

Sapling Plantation Drive near University Library

December 07, 2025 | Students of the School of Languages, Literature & Humanities (SLL&H) along with students across other departments of the University actively participated in the ongoing sapling plantation drive on near the New Library Building, contributing to Nalanda University’s sustained efforts towards environmental care, ecological awareness and a greener campus.

Six-Day Hybrid Workshop on Testing & Evaluation in Maithili with National Testing Service, CIIL Mysuru

06–10 October 2025 | SLL/H successfully conducted a six-day hybrid workshop on Testing, Evaluation and Item Writing in Maithili. Scholars, educators and researchers participated actively in specialised training sessions. The initiative contributed to strengthening regional language pedagogy and assessment frameworks. It further enhanced NU’s engagement with local linguistic heritage. The collaborative effort reflected Nalanda’s commitment to language preservation and capacity-building in eastern India.