Focus on Hindi, AI and global engagement in Nalanda University seminar

Patna: Nalanda University on Friday inaugurated a two-day national conference on “Language, knowledge traditions and global dialogue” at the Sushma Swaraj auditorium, highlighting advances in Hindi, technology and global intellectual engagement.In his inaugural address, vice-chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi stressed the importance of positioning Hindi on the global stage through technological integration, translation ecosystems, and developing contemporary vocabulary. He said that digital tools and artificial intelligence can enhance connectivity between languages, increase accessibility and strengthen global dialogue.Highlighting challenges posed by the growing dominance of English, he called for closer collaboration between universities and Hindi-promoting institutions, emphasising Nalanda University’s vision to serve as a hub for language development and multilingual scholarship.Addressing the gathering, director of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation and former member of parliament Tarun Vijay reflected on India’s civilisational resilience and intellectual freedom. He described India’s thousand-year spiritual continuity as an unbroken cultural resolve, recalling the revival of Somnath and Nalanda as enduring centres of knowledge and power. He also highlighted the far-reaching influence of Sanskrit and Indian culture across East Asia, including Thailand and Myanmar, citing Kumarajiva’s role in transmitting Indian knowledge traditions to China.On the first day, academic sessions covered linguistic innovation, Nalanda’s literary and cultural traditions, and the interplay of language, artificial intelligence, and technology. Scholars from Banaras Hindu University, University of Delhi, University of Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, and other leading national and international institutions participated. Cultural performances also highlighted India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.The occasion was graced by director general of Bihar Museum and former chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, India’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Abhay Kumar, and Professor D Venkat Rao, dean, School of Languages and Literature/Humanities, Nalanda University.