‘We should find our own lexicon’: Nalanda Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi on India’s soft power
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Santosh Singh
Nalanda University Vice Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi details plans for a monumental stupa-shaped library and a research focus on traditional Indian philosophical and martial treatises. The university aims to establish a unique intellectual lexicon while addressing criticisms regarding its institutional growth and educational philosophy.
The Intellectual Renaissance of Nalanda University
Nalanda University (NU) stands at a critical juncture of historical reclamation and modern academic development. Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi has articulated a vision that moves beyond traditional Western-centric academic frameworks, emphasizing the necessity for India to develop its own unique lexicon. By focusing on the synthesis of Shastra (weapons/technical sciences) and Shaastra (philosophical treatises), the university seeks to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary global discourse.
The Architecture of Knowledge
Central to this vision is the construction of a meticulously planned, five-storey, stupa-shaped library. Designed as a repository of immense cultural value, the library will house approximately 3.5 lakh books. By dedicating the first floor to handwritten masterpieces, such as the Pragya Paramita by Acharya Nagarjuna, the institution is positioning itself as a custodian of ancient manuscripts. This physical infrastructure reflects a commitment to preserving the lineage of the 28 Nalanda masters, ensuring that their intellectual contributions are not just studied, but actively transliterated and integrated into modern curricula.
Reviving the Tradition of Debate
Beyond mere preservation, Chaturvedi highlights the revival of Shaastrartha—the ancient tradition of scholarly debate. This initiative is designed to foster a culture of critical inquiry that is deeply rooted in Indian intellectual history. By promoting this pedagogical style, Nalanda University aims to cultivate a space where complex philosophical and societal questions are interrogated through rigorous, structured dialogue rather than passive consumption of information.
Navigating Modern Institutional Challenges
Chaturvedi also addresses the pragmatic realities of building an international institution. Acknowledging that Nalanda is taking longer to establish its footprint compared to legacy institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he highlights the unique challenges of building a global university from the ground up. This extended gestation period is viewed not as a failure, but as a deliberate effort to ensure the university’s institutional foundations—from the Nalanda University Press to its research mandates—are robust and sustainable.
Addressing the Discourse on Education
In the current climate of national discourse, the university faces scrutiny regarding the concepts of Sanatan and the perceived 'saffronisation' of education. Chaturvedi’s approach suggests an institutional desire to frame these debates within a broader, academic context rather than a purely political one. By emphasizing a global outlook, the leadership aims to navigate these ideological waters while maintaining the university’s core mission of becoming a center for excellence that speaks to both Indian heritage and the international community.
Future Trajectory: A Global Soft Power
Ultimately, the goal for Nalanda University is to function as a vehicle for India’s soft power. By creating a unique intellectual environment that balances the study of ancient philosophical treatises with modern research needs, the university intends to attract a global cohort of scholars. If successful, this project will transform Nalanda from a historical site of pilgrimage into a contemporary hub of high-level academic research, redefining how Indian intellectual traditions contribute to the global knowledge economy.