Until now, the Vice Chancellor position had been held by Indian nationals of Hindu faith, making Prof. Singh’s appointment a notable shift towards Buddhist leadership.


Who is Prof. Dr. Siddharth Singh?

Prof. Dr. Siddharth Singh, a seasoned diplomat and scholar, brings deep expertise in Buddhist studies and Indian culture. Before his Nalanda appointment, he was a Senior Professor in the Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies at Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.), Varanasi, India.

Between 2018 and 2022, he served as the Director of the Indian Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, working to promote Indian culture and Buddhism in Japan, further strengthening India-Japan relations.

With over 72 published papers across Hindi, English, and Japanese, Dr. Singh is highly regarded in academia for his contributions to Pali, Sanskrit, Indian culture, and Buddhist studies, focusing particularly on Indian and Japanese Buddhism.


Championing Pali Studies in India

Dr. Singh is widely recognized for his role in advocating for Pali studies in India. In 2013, while leading the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at Banaras Hindu University, he spearheaded protests against the Indian government’s decision to remove Pali as a subject from the Indian Civil Services examinations. Dr. Singh’s advocacy played a key role in reversing this decision, helping to ensure that Pali, the language of the Theravada Buddhist canon, remains part of India's academic landscape.

Dr. Singh's dedication highlights his commitment to preserving access to the Buddha's original teachings, which are conveyed in Pali, a language essential for authentic Buddhist scholarship.

With the recent designation of Pali as a classical Indian language by the government, Buddhist studies stand ready to enter a new era, inspiring a renewed passion for Dharma learning and scholarship.


Reviving Nalanda's Historical Significance

Dr. Singh’s appointment comes at a time when Nalanda University seeks to restore its ancient legacy as a center of Buddhist scholarship and cross-cultural learning. Founded in the 5th century and once a pivotal institution for Buddhist studies, Nalanda served as a beacon of Buddhist knowledge across Asia, nurturing scholars from diverse traditions and preserving crucial teachings.

Now, the modern Nalanda University aims to revive these contributions, making Dr. Singh’s leadership a fitting match for the institution’s historical role.


The Importance of a Buddhist Academic Leader

With a distinguished Pali scholar as Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University is poised to strengthen its Buddhist studies programs. This leadership can foster a closer connection between classical Buddhist teachings and contemporary academia. Through Dr. Singh's background, the university has the potential to expand its Buddhist studies initiatives, promoting an academically rigorous and authentic approach to Buddhist texts and practices.

Additionally, as Dr. Singh envisions, his expertise can help foster critical engagement with the original teachings of the Buddha, aligning with the university’s mission to honor and expand upon its ancient legacy.


Strengthening International Buddhist Connections

Dr. Singh’s vision aligns with Nalanda’s role as a bridge between Buddhist traditions and cultures worldwide. Historically, Nalanda has connected Buddhist scholars from diverse backgrounds, and under Dr. Singh’s leadership, the university may further develop these global ties.

By fostering collaborations with other Buddhist institutions and academic programs, Dr. Singh could position Nalanda as a global center for Buddhist dialogue, research, and cultural exchange.


Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Siddharth Singh’s appointment as Nalanda University’s Vice Chancellor signals a transformative era for the institution, uniting its ancient Buddhist roots with contemporary academic leadership. His expertise in Pali and Buddhist studies, combined with his dedication to international cultural exchange, positions him to shape Nalanda as a renewed center for Buddhist learning. His leadership is anticipated to strengthen Nalanda’s academic contributions to Buddhist studies, enhance international Buddhist collaboration, and affirm the university’s mission of preserving and promoting the teachings of the Buddha in today’s world.