The ceremony was graced by the eminent presence of Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, who delivered the Chief Guest’s address

From Akshay G Animesh

Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar | May 19, 2026 – The air in Rajgir hummed with an energy both ancient and profoundly modern. Today, Nalanda University, a name synonymous with intellectual brilliance and cross-cultural exchange for millennia, celebrated its Third Convocation (Snatakotsava). The grand event unfolded within the newly inaugurated 2000-seater Visvamitaralay Auditorium, a magnificent edifice that itself symbolized the university’s journey from a glorious past to a vibrant, forward-looking future. This convocation was not merely a ceremony; it was a powerful declaration of Nalanda’s triumphant revival as a contemporary global institution, a beacon of learning dedicated to shaping a better world.

The hallowed halls of the Visvamitaralay Auditorium were filled with an aura of solemn pride and eager anticipation. Graduating students, distinguished faculty, and esteemed guests from across the globe gathered to witness a milestone in the university’s ongoing renaissance. The sheer diversity in the audience – representatives from international academic bodies, diplomats, and scholars – underscored Nalanda’s burgeoning global footprint.

The ceremony was graced by the eminent presence of Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, who delivered the Chief Guest’s address. His words resonated with the profound legacy of Nalanda, drawing parallels between its historical role as a crucible of knowledge and its modern imperative to foster “responsible knowledge.” Dr. Mishra emphasized that in an increasingly complex world, education must transcend mere accumulation of facts, embracing ethical considerations, critical thinking, and a commitment to societal well-being. He urged the graduates to be not just knowledgeable, but also conscientious leaders, equipped to tackle global challenges with wisdom and integrity, reflecting Nalanda’s timeless values.

Adding to the dignity of the occasion was the special presence of Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), the Hon’ble Governor of Bihar. The Governor spoke eloquently of Nalanda’s significance as a national pride and a vital contributor to Bihar’s cultural and intellectual landscape. He highlighted the university’s role in promoting peace and understanding, much like its ancient predecessor which welcomed scholars from every corner of the known world.

Shri Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, attended as the Guest of Honour, his presence underscoring the vital role Nalanda plays in India’s global outreach. Shri Tandon spoke passionately about the university’s “global participation,” noting the increasing number of international students and collaborations that mark Nalanda as a true center for multilateral intellectual engagement. He articulated the vision of Nalanda as a living testament to soft power, a place where ideas and cultures converge, fostering diplomatic ties and mutual respect through shared academic pursuits.

The distinguished gathering further included Ms. Archana Nair, Joint Secretary, Nalanda Division, Ministry of External Affairs, along with Vice Chancellors of various prominent universities, academicians, and other notable dignitaries. Their presence was a testament to the broad academic and governmental support for Nalanda’s ambitious mission.

As the graduating students stepped forward to receive their degrees, their faces a mixture of pride and resolve, they carried with them not just academic achievements, but a profound sense of purpose. They were the torchbearers of Nalanda’s renewed vision – a vision for responsible knowledge that is inclusive, ethical, and globally relevant.

The Third Convocation at Nalanda University was more than just an academic ceremony; it was a vibrant affirmation of a new era. It celebrated the university’s successful re-establishment as a contemporary global hub of learning, rooted deeply in its ancient ethos, yet looking resolutely towards the future. With each graduating cohort, and with every global partnership forged, Nalanda continues its journey, illuminating the path for a world in search of responsible knowledge and harmonious coexistence. The light of Nalanda, once dimmed, now shines brighter than ever, a beacon of intellectual and ethical leadership for the 21st century.

A total of 219 graduating students from the batch of 2024–26 representing 14 nationalities were conferred degrees during the ceremony. The graduating cohort included students from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and several other countries, reflecting the truly international character of Nalanda University.

Eight students were awarded Gold Medals for academic excellence, among whom seven were female students, highlighting the remarkable achievements of women scholars at the University.

Following the Convocation ceremony, the Kautilya Centre for Capacity Building was inaugurated at Nalanda University by the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. P.K. Mishra described Nalanda as “not merely a university, but a civilizational symbol,” and emphasized the importance of “Responsible Knowledge in the 21st Century.” He stated that while humanity possesses unprecedented technological capabilities, the larger challenge before the world is to ensure that “knowledge remains connected to wisdom, ethics, compassion and human responsibility.”

Reflecting on the relevance of Nalanda’s intellectual traditions in the contemporary world, Dr. Mishra observed, “The story of Nalanda is not merely a story about the past. It is also a story about the future.” He further underlined that the revival of Nalanda reflects India’s belief in openness, pluralism, dialogue and inquiry as essential values for humanity’s future.

In his address, Hon’ble Governor of Bihar Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) described Nalanda as “a civilizational ecosystem” that historically connected India with Asia through ideas, learning and spiritual inquiry rather than conquest or coercion. He remarked that the revival of Nalanda represents “the recovery of a civilizational idea” and highlighted the emergence of a “Nalanda Corridor” connecting Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Vaishali and Vikramshila as a living geography of knowledge, ethics and spiritual heritage.

The Governor also noted that institutions like Nalanda can offer platforms for dialogue, ethical reflection and sustainable thinking in a world facing conflict, polarization and environmental stress. “While the ancient Nalanda represented humanity’s search for knowledge, the new Nalanda must represent humanity’s search for wisdom,” he said.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Vice Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi reflected upon Nalanda’s continuing journey of revival and transformation. He noted that the University has now entered a phase of “greater consolidation and acceleration,” focused on sharper academic engagement, global partnerships and intellectual innovation.

Prof. Chaturvedi announced that Nalanda University will launch new academic programmes in Science, Technology and Policy Studies, along with Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence from the upcoming academic session. He also shared that the University will introduce a new course titled “Nalanda Spirit” from August 2026.

Emphasizing Nalanda’s role in shaping alternative intellectual frameworks, the Vice Chancellor stated, “Nalanda is not just a university, but a spirit.” He added that the University seeks to emerge as a leading center for non-Western intellectual traditions, comparative civilizational studies, ecological thought and global dialogue rooted in Asian knowledge systems.

The Convocation ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment towards building Nalanda University as a global centre of learning, dialogue, sustainability and responsible knowledge for the 21st century.

__editor@gramintimes.in #Based on a press release