CM Samrat Choudhary Hails PM Modi on Nalanda Shastraarth Tradition
Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary amplified PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat remarks praising Nalanda University for reviving the ancient Indian tradition of shastraarth — disciplined philosophical debate grounded in logic and facts.
Key Takeaways
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary shared a quote from PM Narendra Modi on June 28, 2026 , praising Nalanda University for reviving the tradition of shastraarth .
PM Modi described shastraarth as a disciplined process of dialogue and deliberation, not merely a platform for stating one's views, requiring mastery over logic and facts.
The remarks were made during Mann Ki Baat , the Prime Minister's monthly radio address to the nation.
Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar , was revived as a modern international institution drawing on the legacy of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara ; its new campus was inaugurated in June 2024 .
The post reflects the BJP -led state and central governments' broader push to integrate India's classical intellectual heritage into contemporary education policy.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday, June 28, 2026, shared a quote from Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising Nalanda University for reviving India's ancient tradition of shastraarth — structured philosophical debate — citing the Prime Minister's remarks on the Mann Ki Baat radio programme.
Context
The post quotes PM Modi as saying: 'Nalanda vishwavidyalaya ne shastraarth ki hamari prachin parampara ko phir se jeevant kiya hai' — meaning, 'Nalanda University has revived our ancient tradition of shastraarth.' The Prime Minister described shastraarth not merely as a platform for stating one's views, but as a disciplined process of dialogue, deliberation, and intellectual exchange (vaad-sanvaad aur manthan), one that demands command over logic and facts.
CM Choudhary, a senior BJP leader and the Chief Minister of Bihar, amplified the remark, underscoring its relevance for the state that is home to Nalanda — one of the world's oldest seats of learning.
Policy Backdrop
Nalanda University, located in Rajgir, Bihar, was re-established as a modern international institution drawing on the legacy of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, which flourished roughly between the 5th and 12th centuries CE and attracted scholars from across Asia. The revival project received legislative backing through the Nalanda University Act, 2010, and the new campus was inaugurated in June 2024 by PM Modi.
The concept of shastraarth — a formal tradition of structured debate rooted in classical Indian intellectual culture — has been cited by the current government as emblematic of India's indigenous knowledge systems and its civilisational contribution to reasoned discourse. Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister's monthly radio address, has frequently been used to spotlight cultural and educational milestones of national significance.
Stakeholders and Impact
Nalanda University today functions as an international institution with students and faculty drawn from multiple countries, positioning itself as a hub for cross-cultural academic exchange. By invoking the shastraarth tradition, the Prime Minister's remarks signal an intent to embed classical Indian pedagogical values into the university's contemporary identity.
For Bihar, whose political and cultural identity is closely linked to the Nalanda legacy, such endorsements carry both symbolic and electoral weight. CM Choudhary's decision to amplify the quote reflects the state government's alignment with the Centre's broader civilisational-heritage narrative, which has gained prominence in education and cultural policy in recent years.
What's Next
As Nalanda University continues to expand its academic programmes and international partnerships, the emphasis on reviving classical debate traditions such as shastraarth could shape its curriculum design and public outreach. If the institution successfully integrates this pedagogical tradition into its academic framework, it may serve as a model for other universities seeking to blend India's classical intellectual heritage with modern higher education.
Point of View
Classical tradition — the ruling dispensation frames its education policy not as administrative reform but as civilisational restoration, a narrative with proven resonance among its core voter base. Bihar, as the physical home of Nalanda, gives this messaging a geographic authenticity that few other states can replicate. The move also signals that Nalanda University's symbolic value to the BJP extends well beyond its academic mandate.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shastraarth and why is Nalanda University associated with it?
Shastraarth is a classical Indian tradition of structured philosophical debate requiring mastery of logic, facts, and reasoned argument. Nalanda University draws on the legacy of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, a celebrated centre of learning where such intellectual traditions flourished for centuries.
What did PM Modi say about Nalanda University on Mann Ki Baat?
PM Modi stated that Nalanda University has revived India's ancient tradition of shastraarth , describing it as a disciplined process of dialogue and deliberation that demands command over logic and facts, not merely a platform for stating one's views.
Why did Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary share this post?
CM Samrat Choudhary, a senior BJP leader, shared PM Modi's quote to highlight the cultural and educational significance of Nalanda University for Bihar, aligning the state government's messaging with the Centre's broader civilisational-heritage narrative.
Where is Nalanda University located and when was it inaugurated?
Nalanda University is located in Rajgir, Bihar . Its new campus was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in June 2024 , reviving the legacy of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara that flourished from roughly the 5th to the 12th century CE.
What is Mann Ki Baat?
Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he speaks directly to citizens on topics of national, cultural, and social importance.
