At Nalanda, students turn Ramayana, Mahabharata into lessons on diplomacy and global conflict, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Nalanda University is exploring the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Indian knowledge system to find solutions for modern international relations and diplomacy.
• The International Relations and Peace Studies (IRPS) postgraduate program uses ancient Indian systems to address current global problems.
• Student research papers analyze topics such as diplomacy, soft power, and renewable energy through the lens of Indian epics and knowledge.
• The university aims to offer a distinctly Indian framework for understanding conflict, peace, and global order.

Detailed Insights:

• Nalanda University's IRPS course revitalizes ancient Indic traditions to address contemporary global concerns through meaningful dialogue.
• Research papers examine themes of Indic knowledge systems in relation to present-day international relations, ethics, governance, and strategic studies.
• One paper uses the Kishkindha Kand of the Ramayana to understand diplomacy, sovereignty, and ethical intervention, highlighting the alliance between Rama and Sugriva as a model of asymmetric partnership.
• Another paper highlights Lord Krishna’s use of soft power, mirroring the modern Just War concept of a ‘Supreme Emergency’.
• A dissertation evaluates Nalanda through the synthesis of ancient ecological wisdom and contemporary sustainable architecture, reflecting applied civilizational sustainability.
• The university is considering integrating initiatives like Shastrartha (debate) more systematically into its academic framework.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Mitra-dharma: A concept emphasizing friendship, alliance, and ethical conduct in diplomacy.
• Soft Power: The ability to influence others through culture, values, and ideas rather than coercion.
• Vishwa Bandhu: A civilizational vision of India as a friend to the world.