Nalanda University in Rajgir became the epicenter of global philosophical discourse on Friday as it hosted an international conference focused on Dharma and global ethics. The event brought together a diverse gathering of scholars, policymakers, spiritual practitioners, and academic leaders from across India and multiple foreign countries.
Global Participation and Inaugural Ceremony
The daylong conference titled "Dharma and global ethics: Insights from Bhartiya Sastra Parampara" saw participation from delegates representing eleven nations: India, Russia, Belarus, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Kazakhstan, China, Ethiopia, Hungary, and Fiji. The gathering included representatives from the Union Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education, International academic institutions, Iskcon, Gita Ashram, Sanskrit universities, and various cultural organizations.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with Nalanda University students chanting the Dhyana Sloka from the Bhagavad Gita, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Professor Godabarisha Mishra, Dean of the School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, and Comparative Religion, who also served as conference coordinator, delivered the welcome address that set the tone for the day's discussions.
Key Addresses and Ethical Perspectives
In her inaugural remarks, Anju Ranjan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the critical importance of global interconnectedness. She stated that "Civilisational dialogue and shared ethical responsibilities are essential for fostering meaningful cooperation in an interdependent world."
Ganti S Murthy, National Coordinator of the Indian Knowledge Systems Division under the Ministry of Education, delivered the keynote address where he presented a compelling synthesis of Bhāratīya Śāstra Paramparā and modern knowledge frameworks. He articulated that "Indian intellectual traditions offer a coherent and integrative worldview capable of enriching scientific inquiry and ethical leadership today."
The international perspective was enriched by Padma Shri recipient Chirapat Prapandvidya, Thailand's leading Sanskrit scholar, who reflected on the shared Asian civilizational heritage preserved in Sanskrit and Pali texts. He observed that "Classical traditions illuminate the deeper unity of cultures across Asia and reaffirm Dharma as a universal ethical principle."
Vision for Global Well-being and Ethical Framework
Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi delivered the presidential address, offering comprehensive perspectives on ethics and global well-being. He emphasized that "Our task is to nurture a global community of thinkers rooted in compassion, interdependence, and timeless wisdom so that peace, nonviolence, and contentment may return to our collective actions."
He further stressed the urgent need to recover values such as karuṇa (compassion), interdependence, and ethical restraint in a world increasingly marked by instability and rising discontent. The conference featured four plenary sessions that explored Dharma in relation to culture, philosophy, economics, and the environment, while a public session on Lokasaṃgraha and contemporary global challenges highlighted the importance of ethical leadership and collective responsibility.
The event successfully created a platform for meaningful dialogue between traditional wisdom and modern ethical challenges, reinforcing Nalanda University's position as a center for global philosophical discourse and cross-cultural understanding.
