Students in the International Relations and Peace Studies programme at Nalanda University are examining the Ramayana and Mahabharata to address current issues in diplomacy and global conflict.
Master’s student Surabhi Rani analyses the alliance between Rama and Sugriva in her paper. She presents it as a model of asymmetric partnership based on ethical principles and mutual trust.
Another student, Preeti Kumari, explores Lord Krishna’s strategies in the Mahabharata. Her work connects these ideas to concepts of rule-based order and responses to existential threats.
Vice Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi said the course seeks to revitalise ancient Indic traditions. He noted that recent dissertations examine themes of governance, ethics and strategic studies through classical texts.
A third paper by Himanshi Gupta applies Indian knowledge systems to renewable energy and community governance amid ongoing global energy concerns.