Cynthia Thanda in India

Once you set foot in Nalanda, you inherit a culture, and you become part of a legacy of an intellectual tradition – a heritage that has sustained itself before the universities began elsewhere in the world.

The bright smiles, nervous giggles, and an undeniable buzz of anticipation filled the VisVamitralaya auditorium where students from all the different parts of the world gathered to drink from the well of knowledgeable and inspirational faculty members on 03^rd August 2026, from 11 am to 6:30 pm, during an induction programme for the batch of 2026-28.

Several fresh faces and maximum enthusiasm had the room vibrating with the collective ambition. One could feel the literal shift from morning jitters to pure, unadulterated interest as the students listened and realized they were finally part of something bigger and something that will not only contribute to their future but to the global sphere.

“You have come here with aspirations, ambitions and dreams. You have left your houses, your parents, your kids and pets, and your passions, and you are here to be with us. Nalanda equally warmly invites you to join the fraternity and the family of Nalanda University.

It is our duty to prepare the world and prepare you for the world. That’s the challenge that we have to face. I know you may have faced some teething problems when you came here on the first day and the second day, but those are simply teething problems,” said Professor D. Venkat Rao, Dean, School of Languages and Literature/Humanities, as he addressed the excited students.

He encouraged the students to see the majestic geometrics of the Nalanda architecture, the tranquil seascapes, waterscapes of Nalanda University, the promenades of Nalanda, and to walk across them.

In the evenings, the illuminated structures give one a different glory of Nalanda –  a certain kind of calmness that provides one a space for reflection.

The auditorium roared with applause as it transformed into a lively sea of eager faces, students leaning forward to hear what all the respectable professors shared, and hands would constantly fly up to show appreciation and respect to every speaker.

Professor Arvind Kumar, Dean, School of International Relations and Peace Studies, emphasized that as the students embark on a new journey, the faculty will be there to orient them and help them work together to achieve a sense of satisfaction.

“So the next two years are going to be good for you in terms of not only learning but also becoming a good human being. As you are aware that learning is a humbling experience, we together will be guided by Nalanda’s spirit,t which basically will reflect ancient traditional wisdom, make a space for debate and discussion with objectivity, provide intellectual enquiry, and see that we can question ourselves on many of the important issues which really have been impacting the rest of the world.

We have several students coming from different parts of the world, and we are confident that our learning will be immense with the inter-cultural experience,” he said.

The university has increased international student participation from 41 countries in 2025 to 79 countries this year. Among these numbers are African students who have applied through the ICCR scholarship, which has been an important aspect in the bilateral relations between India and Africa.

The African students who have been interacting with their fellow Indian peers, with some even trying to learn the language before classes begin, show how Nalanda University and the ICCR are bridging the educational gap and working together to unify students and their respective countries. The students have expressed eagerness to learn more about the courses while enjoying the vast culture that India has to offer.

Nalanda is a school that has sustained itself for 800 years, whose legacy continues in the building and the work of this university,y which is every intellect’s dream.

Nalanda provides the best classrooms and the best living places for students in India. The university literally generates its own resources. It has zero pollution.  It generates its own power and electricity.