Rajgir: Nalanda University hosted the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, during his official visit to the university on Sunday.
The visit formed part of Yermekbayev’s official tour of India at the invitation of the Ministry of External Affairs and was described by university officials as a significant occasion for the institution.
Discussions on Sustainability and Cultural Cooperation
The visit included a series of presentations and interactions focused on:
- Sustainability initiatives
- Net Zero programmes
- Community engagement initiatives under “Sahabhagita”
- Buddhist heritage
- Regional and international cooperation
University officials said discussions with faculty members and administrators emphasised:
- Knowledge exchange
- Cultural understanding
- Heritage preservation
- Academic collaboration across countries
SCO Chief Highlights Shared Buddhist Legacy
Addressing the gathering, Yermekbayev spoke about the shared Buddhist heritage among SCO member nations.
He noted that during India’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2023, Buddhist heritage had been incorporated as a new pillar within the organisation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to university officials, he said Nalanda University could play a significant role in promoting and strengthening the shared Buddhist and civilisational heritage of SCO countries.
Nalanda VC Stresses Historical Cultural Links
Nalanda University’s vice-chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi highlighted the historical importance of Buddhist heritage in strengthening cultural connections across regions including:
- Central Asia
- Russia
- Mongolia
- China
He said ancient Buddhist networks, manuscripts, scripts and cultural corridors reflected deep historical linkages among these regions.
The Vice Chancellor added that Nalanda University was actively incorporating these dimensions into:
- Academic programmes
- International partnerships
- Research collaborations
- Cultural initiatives related to Buddhism
Nalanda Expanding Global Academic Engagement
University officials said the interaction reflected Nalanda’s growing role as a platform for international dialogue on culture, heritage and sustainable development.
The visit also underscored the university’s efforts to revive its historic role as a centre for global learning and cross-cultural exchange.
