The 21st century should be a period of intellectual decolonization: PK Mishra

PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The 21st century should be a period of “intellectual decolonization” that will help restore civilizational self-confidence, said PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Indian Prime Minister. Addressing the third convocation of Nalanda University on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), Mr. Mishra said the world was facing geopolitical conflicts and uncertainties despite tremendous progress in communication technology.

“There are universities that are institutions. And then there are universities that are symbols of civilization. Nalanda belongs to the latter category. The renewal of Nalanda University reflects India’s belief that openness, plurality, dialogue and inquiry remain essential to the future of humanity,” Mr. Mishra said. Located in Rajgir, Bihar, Nalanda University is an international university of “national importance” supported by 18 partner countries of the East Asia Summit.

“Work without walls”

Mr. Mishra congratulated the graduates of the university and urged them to “work without walls” and urged them to follow the true lesson of ancient Nalanda’s wisdom of openness to address global challenges like climate change.

“The central question facing humanity is not just whether we can generate more information or technology, but whether knowledge remains linked to wisdom, ethics, compassion and human responsibility,” Mr Mishra said. Emphasizing the traditions of Ayurveda, Buddhist knowledge systems and ancient texts such as the Arthashastra, he said the 21st century would be “a period of intellectual decolonization”. Pointing to the potential of Nalanda University, Mr. Mishra argued that Asia is at a “critical global inflection point” that would bring rapid economic growth to the nations of the region.

The modern Nalanda University is inspired by the ancient Nalanda University, which was known as a center of learning and scholarship that attracted scholars and visitors from various parts of the world, especially Southeast and East Asia. The modern university carries the vision of the ancient traditions of scholarship.

“Nalanda is also futuristic because the ideals and standards of the ancient seat of learning have proven universal in their relevance as viable solutions for a shared and sustainable future for all, not just Asia,” the university says on its website. The convocation ceremony on Tuesday was also attended by Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain, Governor of Bihar; Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor, Nalanda University; and Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and ambassadors and representatives of partner countries.

Published – 20 May 2026 0:05 AM IST