Rajgir: Nalanda University marked its expanding global engagement by participating in high-level international dialogues in New York and Nepal on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
The university’s vice-chancellor, Sachin Chaturvedi, delivered the keynote address at the International Vesak Day commemorations held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where discussions centred on the theme “Leveraging Buddhist Heritage for Strengthening Global Peace and Cooperation”.
Call For Ethical Global Framework
In his address, Chaturvedi emphasised the continuing relevance of Buddhist philosophy in addressing contemporary global challenges, highlighting concepts such as interdependence, ethical development and collective welfare.
He argued that culture remains a “missing foundation” in the current global development framework, pointing to the absence of a dedicated cultural dimension within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called for the inclusion of culture and ethics as core pillars in a post-2030 global agenda.
Drawing on Nalanda’s historical legacy as one of the world’s earliest international residential universities, he said its modern revival represents a platform for dialogue across nations and civilisations.
Buddhist Ideas And Global Cooperation
Chaturvedi outlined key Buddhist principles—including Pratītyasamutpāda (interdependence), Sammā Ājīva (right livelihood) and Jagathita (well-being of all)—as frameworks for shaping global governance and fostering peace.
He said peace should be viewed not merely as the absence of conflict but as a product of ethical consciousness and shared responsibility.
Multilateral Participation
The Vesak Day programme saw participation from multiple countries, including Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, reflecting a shared commitment to dialogue and cooperation rooted in Buddhist heritage.
On the sidelines of the event, the Nalanda delegation also met Yojna Patel, India’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, acknowledging support for facilitating academic and cultural engagement.
Academic Outreach In The US
In a parallel engagement, the Consulate General of India, in collaboration with Nalanda University, hosted a roundtable on Buddhism involving scholars and academics from across the United States.
The delegation presented the university’s academic initiatives and research work, with participants exploring opportunities for strengthening international academic partnerships.
Engagement In Nepal
Separately, Pranshu Samdarshi, an assistant professor at Nalanda University, addressed an academic seminar at Lumbini Buddhist University, organised by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Speaking at the birthplace of the Buddha, he highlighted the shared civilisational heritage between India and Nepal, emphasising the role of Buddhist philosophy in fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development.
Reviving A Global Legacy
Officials said Nalanda University’s participation in these international forums reflects its broader effort to re-establish itself as a global centre of learning rooted in historical knowledge traditions while engaging with contemporary global issues.
The engagements, they added, underline the growing role of the institution in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, academic collaboration and peace-building initiatives on the global stage.
