Rajgir (Bihar), March 31 President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday that the revival of Nalanda University is a symbol of national and international commitment to re-establish its glorious heritage in a modern setting.
Addressing the convocation ceremony of the university here, she said the ancient Nalanda university had been a great centre of knowledge for about eight centuries, and its fall was a monumental loss not only for India but also for the entire world.
"Its revival is a symbol of national and international commitment to re-establish the university's glorious heritage in a modern setting," Murmu said.
The President expressed confidence that Nalanda University will emerge as a leading global educational institution at a time when "the world faces many complex challenges, and the need for compassionate, independent and critical thinking" is greater than ever.
"At the same time, the benefits of its progress should also reach the society where it is established," she asserted.
The President appreciated the university's community outreach initiatives to connect with traditional knowledge systems.
Murmu congratulated graduating students and said their achievements are the result of perseverance, discipline, and intellectual commitment.
Conferring degrees to the graduates, the President said the students of the institute receive a "shared inheritance" of humanity.
"Students graduating from here receive two things -- a degree and an inheritance. While the degree is their personal achievement, the heritage of humanity they inherit here is a shared one," Murmu added.
The President also awarded gold medals to 36 students of the Nalanda University.
She expressed happiness that over half of the graduating students this year comprised students from more than 30 countries.
"Today's ceremony is a reaffirmation of a promise that knowledge shall endure, that dialogue shall prevail, and that learning shall continue to serve humanity," she said.
On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the President said, "Lord Mahavir and Buddha spread the message of non-violence, compassion and love to the entire humanity from this region of Bihar."
She said that some of the finest minds in the history of Buddhist thought lived and worked in Nalanda.
"For close to eight centuries, ancient Nalanda was the intellectual heart of Buddhist scholarship in Asia. I am confident that Nalanda University can emerge as a leading global centre for Buddhist studies. I encourage the university to invest in this field with resolve, depth and openness," Murmu said.
The President said that Nalanda University must embody the spirit of enquiry, dialogue, and synthesis to regain its glorious tradition.
"The ancient Indian traditions of learning were never rigid. Instead, they encouraged enquiry, dialogue, and synthesis. Nalanda must once again embody this spirit, and bring together knowledge systems from across disciplines and cultures," she said.
Such a development, the President said, will be in sync with the government's renewed emphasis on holistic, multi-disciplinary, and value-based education through the National Education Policy-2020.
She also took part in a tree-planting event before the convocation ceremony, and praised the university's commitment towards achieving the goal of net-zero emissions.
"This university reflects a commitment to sustainability in its journey towards becoming a net-zero campus. Institutions of higher learning must definitely lead by example," Murmu added.
She advised the students to "cultivate the habit of enquiry, connect knowledge with service, and remain connected with your alma mater".
"You are ambassadors of this institution," Murmu said.
The President reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the growth of Nalanda University.
"As India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, institutions like Nalanda University will play a vital role in its progress," she said.
Later in the day, Murmu also visited the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"President Droupadi Murmu visited the historic remains of Nalanda Mahavihara, a profound symbol of India's rich intellectual and civilisational heritage. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these remains reflect the enduring legacy of one of the ancient world's greatest centres of learning.
The preserved remains stand as a testament to the global exchange of ideas, and continue to inspire all," read an X post on the official handle of the President.