Rajgir: Nalanda University formally welcomed its new cohort of postgraduate students for the 2026–28 academic session on Monday, as the institution crossed the milestone of 1,000 enrolled students and recorded growing international participation.
The induction programme introduced incoming students to the university’s academic philosophy, research-oriented learning environment and campus life, while highlighting its increasingly global character. Students from across India and several other countries are joining the Rajgir campus this year, reflecting rising international enrolment.
‘Learning Begins With Asking Questions’
Addressing the students, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi encouraged them to embrace curiosity, challenge conventional thinking and engage with ideas beyond the boundaries of their own disciplines.
He said Nalanda’s academic approach is rooted in dialogue, interdisciplinary learning and intellectual inquiry rather than the pursuit of ready-made answers.
“At Nalanda, learning begins with the willingness to ask questions and to remain open to new perspectives. The University’s strength lies in bringing together diverse disciplines, cultures and intellectual traditions to collectively advance knowledge,” he said.
Focus On Research And Indian Knowledge Systems
Prof. Chaturvedi said the university aims to nurture scholars capable of addressing contemporary global challenges through critical thinking, collaboration and original research.
He also highlighted Nalanda University’s efforts to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems with contemporary scholarship, describing the initiative as one that promotes dialogue and collaborative knowledge creation rather than intellectual divisions.
As a new academic year begins, Nalanda University is delighted to welcome students from across the world to its campus in Rajgir.
From arrival and registration to the first steps of their academic journey, the campus is once again coming alive with diverse languages, cultures,… pic.twitter.com/2h2FQSRM1i
— Nalanda University (@nalanda_univ) August 3, 2026
New Academic Initiatives Introduced
The Vice-Chancellor outlined several initiatives being introduced for the incoming batch, including:
- A common interdisciplinary foundation course titled “Nalanda”
- A compulsory course in Research Methodology
- A revised academic credit framework to encourage greater classroom engagement
- The integration of Śāstrārtha as a structured platform for dialogue, debate and collaborative learning
- Sahabhāgitā, a community engagement initiative connecting students with neighbouring villages through research-based partnerships and experiential learning
He also encouraged students to adopt environmentally responsible practices as part of the university’s Net Zero campus vision.
International Collaboration And Student Support
The inaugural session featured an induction lecture by Swadha Rizvi, Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs.
Welcoming the new students, she spoke about Nalanda University’s diverse academic community and encouraged students to make the most of their time on campus while embracing the institution’s multicultural environment.
She also highlighted the university’s student support mechanisms and urged students to maintain academic discipline and responsible conduct throughout their studies.
The programme was attended by the Registrar, the Deans of the Schools, including Prof. G. Mishra, Prof. D. Venkat Rao and Prof. Arvind Kumar, along with heads of various academic committees. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Indrani Barpujari, Visiting Faculty at the School of Ecology and Environment Studies.
Carnatic Violin Duet To Conclude Induction
As part of the induction programme, Nalanda University, in collaboration with its SPIC MACAY Chapter, will host a Carnatic violin duet on August 4 at the Vishwamitralaya Auditorium.
The performance will feature renowned violinists Vidwan Dr. Mysore Manjunath and Shri Sumanth Manjunath, along with accompanying artists, marking the cultural conclusion of the university’s orientation programme for the new academic session.
