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.