Rajgir: Nalanda University celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday with the hoisting of the national flag by vice-chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, followed by an address focusing on youth, international engagement and the university’s role in India’s development.
The ceremony brought together the university’s global student community, faculty and staff, Sahabhagita partners and members of the wider Nalanda community.
1,000 Students From 35 Nationalities
In his address, Chaturvedi highlighted Nalanda University’s expanding academic and international profile. The university has now crossed 1,000 students, with learners representing 35 nationalities, while applications have been received from 72 countries.
He described young people as the “architects of India’s future” and called on students to contribute not only to academic activities but also to the university’s administration, governance and wider social responsibilities.
Reflecting on the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, Chaturvedi said India’s development journey should also contribute to the progress of its Global South partners.
He linked this approach to Nalanda’s civilisational legacy, where knowledge was historically discussed, co-created and shared across geographical boundaries. The idea of a world connected through knowledge and mutuality, he said, was part of Nalanda’s tradition centuries before modern globalisation.
Focus On Interdisciplinary Research And Global Exchanges
The Vice-chancellor outlined academic and institutional priorities for the coming year, including greater interdisciplinary engagement through research clusters and faculty colloquia.
He also highlighted plans for greater student participation in research, international semester exchanges, student-led academic journals and deeper engagement with global partners.
Nalanda’s academic portfolio is expanding with new programmes in Science and Technology Policy Studies, Data Science and AI, and Sanskrit, alongside 27 short-term programmes and 54 electives.
Sahabhagita And Community Engagement
The university’s engagement with communities beyond its campus was another key focus of the address.
Chaturvedi said the Sahabhagita initiative should foster commitment, empathy and concern for society. He also highlighted LEAP 2.0, under which the provision has been increased to Rs 40 lakh to support students while encouraging meaningful voluntary contributions to the university and surrounding communities.
He urged students to prepare for a rapidly changing global environment by looking beyond disciplinary boundaries and developing an understanding of emerging geopolitical, economic, technological and sustainability challenges.
The Vice-chancellor also stressed the importance of research, skills and practical learning and encouraged students to approach social media and digital information with greater critical awareness.
Panel Examines Global Justice, Peace And Sustainability
The Independence Day programme included a panel discussion titled “Global Justice, Peace and Sustainability: The Role of Universities”, chaired by Chaturvedi.
The panel included Professor Thomas Pogge, Founding Director of the Global Justice Program and Leitner Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs at Yale University; Erik Solheim, former Minister of the Environment and International Development of Norway; Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Professor Anjoo Sharan Upadhyay of Banaras Hindu University.
The discussion examined the responsibilities of universities in addressing questions of justice, peace and sustainability against the backdrop of a changing global order.
International Community Presents Cultural Programme
The celebrations also featured a cultural presentation by Nalanda University students.
Students from its international community came together through a range of cultural expressions, reflecting the university’s character as a space where different cultures, traditions and perspectives meet, engage and learn from one another.
The programme combined the symbolism of Independence Day with Nalanda University’s wider emphasis on knowledge-sharing, international cooperation and engagement with society.
