Nalanda: Nalanda University on Monday inaugurated the 8th edition of the India Think Tank Forum (ITTF) 2026 at its campus in Rajgir, Bihar, bringing together leading thinkers from across the country. The two-day forum is being organised in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and focuses on the theme “India in a Changing World: Building Inner Resilience”. The event aims to create a space for deep discussion on how India can respond to global uncertainty while staying rooted in its intellectual and ethical traditions.
The opening session highlighted Nalanda’s long history as a centre of learning and dialogue. Speakers said the ancient university stood for debate, openness and the sharing of knowledge across cultures and disciplines. They argued that this legacy is especially important today, when the world is facing multiple crises, including climate change, political instability and economic inequality. According to the speakers, India’s strength lies not only in policy and technology but also in values such as cooperation, tolerance and ethical thinking.
One of the key sessions of the day was a special discussion on “20 Years of BRICS”, featuring Nalanda University vice-chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi and ORF president Samir Saran, moderated by Harsh V Pant of ORF. The conversation linked Nalanda’s philosophical traditions with present-day global issues. References were made to Buddhist thinker Acharya Nagarjuna and ideas such as shunyata, or emptiness, to explain how flexible and inclusive thinking can help reduce divisions in today’s world. The speakers said such ideas could guide global cooperation, especially among countries of the Global South.
The forum also discussed issues such as global governance, climate finance and development institutions. Participants referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks at the BRICS summit in Brazil, where he spoke about resilience through cooperation, sustainable lifestyles and responsible innovation. Speakers stressed that universities and think tanks have an important role in shaping policies that are ethical, sustainable and people-focused. They also highlighted Nalanda University’s efforts in promoting climate responsibility, strengthening its library resources and encouraging research that connects knowledge with social needs.
The inaugural day ended with a cultural programme, reflecting Nalanda’s belief that culture and ideas go hand in hand. In total, seven sessions were held on the first day, including the inaugural address and thematic panels. These discussions set the tone for the second day of the forum, with participants hopeful that the ideas shared at Nalanda will help turn thoughtful discussions into real-world solutions for India and beyond.
