New Delhi

Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the revival of Nalanda University stands as a powerful symbol of both national and international commitment to restoring its historic legacy in a modern form.

Addressing the convocation ceremony in Rajgir, the President highlighted that the ancient Nalanda University had flourished as a global centre of knowledge for nearly eight centuries, and its decline marked a significant loss not just for India but for the world.

“Its revival reflects a shared resolve to re-establish its glorious heritage in a contemporary setting,” she said.

Conferring degrees upon the graduating students, Murmu emphasised that their achievement goes beyond academics. She noted that graduates receive not only a degree but also a “shared inheritance” of humanity.

“While the degree is a personal accomplishment, the heritage they inherit here belongs to all of humanity,” she added.

The President also expressed satisfaction that more than half of this year’s graduating batch comprised international students from over 30 countries, underlining the university’s growing global character.

Marking Mahavir Jayanti, she recalled that the region of Bihar was once the cradle of teachings of non-violence, compassion, and love propagated by great spiritual leaders like Lord Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.

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Ahead of the ceremony, Murmu also participated in a tree-planting initiative and praised the institution’s focus on sustainability. She commended its efforts to become a net-zero campus, stating that institutions of higher learning must lead by example in addressing environmental challenges.