Nalanda: Nalanda University organised a major seminar titled “Nālandā Dialogues on Rājā Ṛṣabhadeva’s Tradition: Culture, Civilization, Community” on Monday at its Rajgir campus. The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, which created a respectful and spiritual atmosphere. Speaking during the inauguration, Vice Chancellor Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi described Rājā Ṛṣabhadeva as the world’s first philosopher and said that his ideas still guide modern discussions on ethics, knowledge and society.
The opening panel featured contributions from Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh, Jainesh Shah and keynote speaker Dr. B. K. Tiwary. Their remarks helped set an academic tone for the day, highlighting how Ṛṣabhadeva’s teachings have shaped civilisations across time. Their insights encouraged participants to reflect on the relevance of ancient wisdom in the contemporary world.
The second part of the seminar was organised across three detailed sessions. The first session focused on the historical and civilisational role of Ṛṣabhadeva, with presentations from scholars such as Dr. Lata Bothara, Dr. Pranshu Samdarshi, Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh and Dr. Tosabanta Padhan. The second session examined early Indian society and systems of governance as described in Bhartiya Śāstras. Speakers Prof. Venus Jain, Dr. Sejal Shah and Dr. Azad Hind Gulshan Nanda explained the evolution of customs and institutions through the cultural memory of Ṛṣabhadeva. The discussion continued in the third session, which highlighted the ethical and philosophical contributions of Ṛṣabhadeva. Speakers Varun Jain, Arpit Shah and Shreyansh Jain discussed topics such as pilgrimage traditions, moral frameworks and institutional ethics.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory address by Upādhyāya Yaśa Jī Mahārāj from Veerayatan, Rajgir. The session was led by Prof. Godabarisha Mishra and captured the collaborative spirit of the event. Dr. Pranshu Samdarshi expressed gratitude to all speakers, organisers and participants during the Vote of Thanks. Students from a local school also participated in the programme as part of the Sahbhāgita initiative, adding a community-oriented dimension.
Nalanda University reaffirmed its commitment to promoting research in Jaina philosophy, culture and history. Through academic gatherings like this, the University hopes to inspire deeper learning, foster interdisciplinary scholarship and preserve India’s intellectual heritage for future generations.
