Rajgir: Nalanda University has taken part in a “Study in India” outreach programme in Thimphu, seeking to attract Bhutanese students while reinforcing long-standing cultural and academic ties between the two countries.
A faculty delegation from the university, based in Rajgir in Bihar, engaged with prospective students and scholars during the visit, presenting its academic offerings and emphasising historical links rooted in shared Buddhist traditions, including connections to Guru Padmasambhava.
The delegation, which included Dr Kishore Dhawala and Dr Pranshu Samdarshi, also met India’s ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, to discuss avenues for strengthening educational and cultural cooperation. Separate discussions were held with Tashi Pem, chairperson of the Royal Civil Service Commission, focusing on expanding collaboration in higher education.
Nalanda University also participated in the 11th Bhutan International Education Fair 2026, where it showcased its interdisciplinary programmes and highlighted merit-based scholarships available under its scholarship scheme. According to officials, the university’s pavilion drew strong interest from students keen on programmes that combine historical knowledge traditions with contemporary academic approaches.
Yeezang De Thapa, Bhutan’s minister of education and skills development, visited the pavilion and interacted with the delegation, reviewing the university’s approach to integrating its historical legacy with modern higher education.
The university said the outreach forms part of its broader effort to position itself as a bridge between India and Bhutan, promoting academic exchange and shared intellectual heritage.
