Nalanda: Nalanda University in Bihar has started a two-day National Conference titled “Language, Knowledge Traditions and Global Dialogue,” bringing together scholars, diplomats, and cultural leaders from across India and abroad. The event was held at the Sushma Swaraj Auditorium in Rajgir and aims to highlight the importance of Hindi, Indian culture, and knowledge traditions in the modern world. The conference reflects Nalanda University’s efforts to promote research, language development, and global academic collaboration.
The event began with an address by Vice Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, who emphasised the need to make Hindi a global language. He said that new technology, artificial intelligence, and translation tools can help Hindi reach more people around the world. Professor Chaturvedi also highlighted the importance of universities and organisations working together to strengthen the language and develop new words and expressions for contemporary use. Other notable guests at the inauguration included Shri Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of Bihar Museum; India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Abhay Kumar; and Shri Tarun Vijay, former Member of Parliament and director of the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.
Shri Tarun Vijay spoke about India’s long history of learning and cultural continuity. He highlighted how centres of knowledge like Nalanda and Somnath have preserved India’s intellectual heritage for centuries. Vijay also discussed the influence of Indian culture and Sanskrit in countries like China, Thailand, and Myanmar, recalling how Indian scholars such as Kumarajiva shared knowledge abroad. He stressed that despite attempts to suppress India’s intellectual traditions in the past, the country’s culture and learning have remained strong and influential worldwide.
The first day of the conference included sessions on linguistic research, cultural traditions, and the use of technology in language learning. Experts from institutions such as Banaras Hindu University, University of Delhi, University of Hyderabad, and IIT Kanpur shared their knowledge. The day also featured cultural performances that showcased India’s literary and artistic traditions. Organisers said that holding the conference at Nalanda University, a historic centre of learning, symbolises the connection between India’s past achievements and future goals in education, language, and global scholarship.
