Patna: Governor Syed Ata Hasnain on Monday inaugurated a two-day national symposium on ‘Role of Indian Knowledge Traditions in Building a Developed India’ at Nalanda University in Rajgir , saying India must emerge as a creator of knowledge, not merely its consumer.




The symposium, organised jointly by Nalanda University and Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN), brought together vice-chancellors, directors, academicians, researchers and experts in Indian Knowledge Traditions from across the country.




Addressing the inaugural session, Hasnain said Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya , Vaishali and Vikramshila together represented a rich civilisational landscape of knowledge, spirituality and intellectual exchange. He stressed that knowledge remained central to development, technological advancement and national power.




Referring to India’s contributions to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, linguistics, metallurgy and governance, Governor said traditional knowledge must be examined through contemporary perspectives and integrated with modern scientific inquiry.




Speaking on the “Nalanda Approach”, Hasnain said India’s civilisational strength also lay in global partnerships fostered through knowledge, culture, education and scholarship. He cited initiatives such as Nalanda Spirit, Shastrartha and Sahabhagita as examples of connecting knowledge with society.




Introducing the theme, Nalanda University vice-chancellor Prof Sachin Chaturvedi said the debate was no longer about the relevance of Indian knowledge traditions but about how they could be advanced. He said these traditions should be viewed as part of a shared South Asian and Asian knowledge heritage.




Chaturvedi said the university was developing specialised courses and initiatives to familiarise international students with the Nalanda approach and Indian knowledge traditions. SSUN national secretary Atul Kothari, former UGC vice-chairperson Prof Bhushan Patwardhan and educationist Prof Ramesh Bhardwaj also addressed the gathering.