Ancient Nalanda welcomed diverse ideologies and fostered a culture of debate and dialogue: President Murmu
PATNA, MARCH 31, 2026: President of India Droupadi Murmu has said that the Nalanda University will play a vital role in making India move towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The President graced and addressed the convocation ceremony of Nalanda University at Rajgir, Bihar on Tuesday (March 31, 2026). Speaking on the occasion, the President said that today’s convocation ceremony is a reaffirmation of a civilizational promise: a promise that knowledge shall endure, that dialogue shall prevail, and that learning shall continue to serve humanity. She congratulated graduating students and said that their achievements are the result of perseverance, discipline, and intellectual commitment. She was happy to note that over half of the graduating cohort today comprises international students from more than 30 countries.
The President said that the ancient Nalanda University stood as a renowned centre of learning for nearly eight centuries. The decline of Nalanda constituted a monumental loss—not only for India but for the entire world. Nevertheless, the concept of Nalanda remained alive. Its resurgence in our times symbolises a national and international commitment to re-establishing that glorious legacy within a modern context. She underlined that this resurgence has been made possible through visionary leadership, sustained institutional efforts, and the coordination of partner nations. It serves as an illustration of how diverse nations can achieve lofty goals when guided by shared values.
The President said that ancient Nalanda welcomed diverse ideologies and fostered a culture of debate and dialogue. Here, knowledge was never viewed in isolation; rather, it was inextricably linked to ethics, society, and the broader welfare of humanity. She emphasised that this ideal remains profoundly relevant even today. At a time when the world faces numerous complex challenges, the need for independent and critical thinking—rooted in compassion—is greater than ever before. She expressed confidence that Nalanda University will emerge as a leading educational institution in Asia and across the globe. It will carve out a distinct identity for itself, distinguished not only by its academic excellence but also by its values.
The President said that India has a deep and living connection with Buddhist philosophy and practice. This connection must be nurtured with seriousness and with a comprehensive understanding of India’s classical knowledge traditions. Buddhist scholarship must remain rooted in India’s civilizational foundations while engaging with its diverse expressions across Asia. She expressed confidence that Nalanda University can emerge as a leading global centre for Buddhist studies. She urged the University to invest in this field with resolve, depth and openness. She said that in doing so, Nalanda University will again be fulfilling a role that is centuries old.
The President said that the library of ancient Nalanda is said to have contained millions of manuscripts. With that lofty benchmark as a reference, what we are building here today, will be a lasting legacy. As India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, institutions like Nalanda University will play a vital role.
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