Rajgir: The three-day East Asia Summit (EAS) Conclave of Heads of Higher Education Institutions and the Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) concluded on Thursday with a valedictory session and vote of thanks delivered by Vice Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi.
The inaugural edition of the conclave, held from 17 to 19 September at Nalanda University, brought together 35 heads of institutions from ASEAN countries and India. Participants included Vietnam National University, the National University of Singapore, Arthashastra Institute (Bali), the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, and IIT Kanpur, among others.
A highlight of the event was the signing of three significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Nalanda University and leading institutions: the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University), the Indian Maritime University, and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIS). The MoU ceremony, held at the International Centre on the university campus, charted a new path for academic collaboration, research partnerships, and knowledge exchange across Asia.
“Our priority is to build institutional ecosystems in times of super-specialization, enabling convergence to address complex challenges and solve issues of greater significance,” said Prof Chaturvedi, who also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), ASEAN partners, and participating institutions.
Over three days, the conclave featured thematic deliberations, cultural programmes, and special sessions highlighting ASEAN–India cooperation in higher education. Delegates visited the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sampled Indian cuisines, attended a live demonstration of Kalaripayattu, the martial art from Kerala, and engaged in discussions on Nalanda’s research collaborations.
The event concluded with renewed commitments to advance knowledge partnerships, promote sustainability, and deepen cultural ties that reflect the timeless legacy of Nalanda.
