Rajgir: Nalanda University will host an international conference on Friday exploring the contemporary relevance of Dharma and ethical philosophy within a global context. The one-day event, titled “Dharma and Global Ethics: Insights from Bharatiya Shastra Parampara”, will take place on November 28 at the university’s Rajgir campus.
The conference aims to bring together scholars, spiritual practitioners and policy analysts from India and overseas to examine the multidimensional nature of Dharma and its place in Indian philosophical traditions. Discussions will address its application to literature, the environment, sustainability, politics, global ethics and current social challenges.
The inaugural address will be delivered by Anju Ranjan, joint secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Keynote speakers include Prof Ganti S Murthy, national coordinator of the Indian Knowledge Systems Division under the Ministry of Education, and Thai scholar Padma Shri Prof Chirapat Prapandvidya.
Four plenary sessions will focus on the themes of Dharma and culture, philosophy, economy and the environment, with experts presenting research and perspectives across each area. Nalanda University’s vice-chancellor, Prof Sachin Chaturvedi, will deliver the presidential address.
Participants are expected from India, Russia, Belarus, Malaysia, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Thailand, China and Hungary, positioning the conference as a platform for multinational academic dialogue. A public session on “Loka Sangraha and the Contemporary World” will examine ideas of collective welfare, global responsibility and civic participation.
The day will conclude with a cultural programme that includes a classical vocal performance by Pandit Gautam Kale, organised with the university’s SPIC MACAY chapter. Marking 150 years since the composition of Vande Mataram, students will also present a group choral rendition.
The university said it views the conference as a step towards connecting the ancient knowledge traditions of Nalanda with contemporary global discourse, and hopes the event will offer meaningful insight for young scholars, researchers and policymakers.
