On 31 March 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the convocation of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu. He described a shift toward a multi‑polar world and a democratization of global order, asserting that Nalanda’s legacy can influence this transformation.
Key Developments
- Jaishankar emphasized that the rise of diverse societies is making the world more multi‑polar.
- He linked Nalanda’s historic tradition of open learning to the contemporary need for inclusive global governance.
- He highlighted intense debates on the future direction of growth, noting that while technology dominates discussions, the human dimension must not be ignored.
- The minister called on international students at Nalanda to promote a nuanced understanding of India in their home countries.
Important Facts
The speech underscored three factual points:
- India’s diplomatic narrative now stresses a shift from a unipolar to a multi‑polar global architecture.
- Nalanda University, revived in 2010, is positioned as a modern embodiment of ancient Indian scholarship.
- The minister’s remarks were part of a broader diplomatic effort to project India’s soft power through education and cultural heritage.
UPSC Relevance
For aspirants, the address illustrates several exam‑relevant themes:
- Foreign Policy & International Relations – Understanding India’s stance on a multi‑polar world aligns with GS2 topics on global governance.
- Cultural Diplomacy – The use of historic institutions like Nalanda to project soft power connects to GS2 and GS4 (ethics of cultural outreach).
- Technology vs. Human Values – The balance highlighted by the minister is pertinent to GS3 discussions on technology’s impact on society.
- Education as Soft Power – The role of international students ties into GS2 (foreign policy) and GS4 (ethical dimensions of cultural exchange).
Way Forward
Jaishankar’s vision suggests actionable steps for policymakers and scholars:
- Strengthen institutions like Nalanda to serve as platforms for multilateral dialogue.
- Integrate cultural heritage into diplomatic curricula to enhance India’s soft power.
- Promote policies that ensure technological advancement is complemented by human‑centric values.
- Facilitate greater participation of international students in Indian universities to build long‑term people‑to‑people ties.
Overall, the minister’s remarks signal a strategic pivot toward a more inclusive, culturally rich, and technologically balanced global order, with Nalanda University positioned as a symbolic and practical conduit.