Nalanda University (NU) Vice Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi recently shared insights with The Indian Express regarding the institution’s upcoming library, ongoing research on Shastra (weapons) and shaastra (philosophical texts), the revival of Shaastrartha (debate), and the establishment of the Nalanda University Press. He also addressed the current discussions surrounding Sanatan ideology and the perceived saffronisation of educational content, explaining the reasons behind the slower development of NU compared to institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
The university is meticulously planning a new library, designed in a five-storey stupa shape, featuring quadrants on each level. Initially, the library will house around 350,000 books, with the first floor dedicated to handwritten manuscripts, including the Pragya Paramita by Acharya Nagarjuna, a prominent figure among the 28 masters of Nalanda. These works will be translated into English, and students will contribute through transcriptions, while experts from IIIT Hyderabad will assist with digital analytics and coding. Approximately 1,500 to 1,800 volumes will be included in this collection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the library in December.
Another floor will focus on complete digitisation to prevent a repeat of the destruction that the ancient university faced. This section will include works by commentators on Nalanda University, physical dissertations from students, and a variety of contemporary literature spanning different genres.
While Western philosophy often emphasizes the rule of law, Chaturvedi advocates for a focus on the rule of justice, inspired by Kautilya’s teachings. He cites global issues such as the Hormuz and South China Sea crises as instances where these concepts clash. He argues for a reevaluation of global governance and suggests that India should develop its own diplomatic terminology, drawing from its ancient practices. The university is also set to open the Gandhi Zayed Centre for Peace, Tolerance, and Sustainability, which will involve collaboration between Indian and UAE experts. In addition, Jain philosophy will be integrated alongside Buddhist and Hindu philosophies to enrich the understanding of statecraft in contemporary contexts.
The recent Hormuz crisis exemplified the interplay between shastra and shaastra. On the day of the library’s inauguration, Nalanda University will launch its own publishing initiative, Nalanda University Press, featuring an edited volume titled “Shastra and Shaastra,” curated by renowned scholar Amrita Narlikar and including contributions from 20 prominent foreign policy analysts. This initiative aims to bridge philosophical inquiry with practical statecraft, emphasizing the importance of Shaastrartha, or structured debate, particularly in an age overwhelmed by artificial intelligence.
Chaturvedi underscored the necessity of maintaining a balance between intellectual restraint and robust discussion, advocating for academia to synthesize factual evidence, historical context, and broader public awareness. He noted that Gautam Buddha’s teachings intersect with various aspects of Sanatan Sanskriti (culture) and that Nalanda University has long embraced diverse knowledge traditions—including Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain perspectives—dating back to the 7th century. Currently, students from 36 different countries are enrolled, with applications coming from 72 nations, reflecting a strong interest that has enabled the university to achieve its goal of enrolling 1,000 students.
The concept for a dedicated peace studies center was proposed by former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlighting a pragmatic approach to statecraft. Initially, Kumar withheld part of the university’s land until a separate center was established; however, he ultimately provided the land, and the university is grateful for his vision. The International Relations and Peace Studies (IRPS) program has attracted significant student interest, alongside disciplines such as archaeology, history, data science, and AI. Through data analysis, the program aims to derive insights into ancient texts, offering perspectives on past, present, and future dynamics in international relations.
This month, NU will convene a meeting with linguists from Northeastern India and Southeast Asia to explore the region’s linguistic complexities, aligning with the Prime Minister’s Act East policy.
This approach is reflected in the university’s architecture, philosophy, and economic framework. Rather than adhering to colonial architectural styles, the design of Nalanda University is inspired by ancient principles, with buildings strategically positioned to facilitate the flow of the purvaiya (easterly) wind. Economically, the university’s model prioritizes well-being over GDP, a philosophy that has recently garnered attention from the United Nations. Additionally, there is a need to reassess trade metrics; current figures indicating 80% trade with Nepal, 95% with Bhutan, and 68% with Sri Lanka should be understood through a lens that honors India’s historical and indigenous methodologies.
To promote and preserve regional languages, the curriculum has been expanded to include Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. The ancient Nalanda University engaged with neighboring villages not merely for resources but to learn languages such as Pali, Prakrit, and Sanskrit.
Chaturvedi remains optimistic about the university’s future, noting that the IRPS program has become a popular option for students from various states who prefer NU over JNU or Delhi University. In the rankings for the Central Universities Entrance Test (CUET), Nalanda University consistently ranks among the top six or seven institutions. While attracting students from urban centers to a rural campus presents challenges, those who choose to study at NU appreciate the campus environment, which rivals that of leading global universities and boasts significantly better air quality than major metropolitan areas.
Santosh Singh serves as a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express.
