Located near the ancient site of Nalanda University in Bihar, NNM was founded in 1951 to revive the spirit of the historic Nalanda Mahavihara, once a hub for scholars from across Asia. Today, the university stands as a modern center for Buddhist studies, attracting scholars and students from around the world. NNM plays a vital role in preserving and advancing the legacy of Nalanda's teachings, with programs in Buddhist philosophy, comparative religion, and languages such as Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan. These efforts align with India’s goal of becoming a global center for Buddhist studies, encouraging academic and cultural exchanges with institutions across East and Southeast Asia.

NNM is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities and an extensive library housing manuscripts and texts in Buddhist philosophy and language studies. The university continues to promote ancient Buddhist wisdom while fostering cross-cultural dialogue and advancing scholarship in Buddhism.

Professor Singh, 52, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has served as a Senior Professor in the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at BHU, Varanasi. His career includes diplomatic service as the Director of the Indian Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Tokyo from 2018 to 2022, where he worked to strengthen India-Japan cultural relations. His academic accolades include the Japan Foundation Fellowship (2003–04), a Fulbright Senior Research Fellowship in the U.S. (2011–12), and the Vadrayana Vyas President Award in India (2005).

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Singh has served as a Visiting Professor of Indian Studies at Uppsala University and Karlstad University in Sweden, as well as Hyderabad Central University in India. He has authored four books on Buddhist studies and Indian culture, including Saddhammasangaho (History of Buddhism until the 13th Century), Jinacarita (Biography of the Buddha), Zen Bauddha Dharma-Sangeet, and Remembering the Legend: Kosetsu Nosu. In addition, he has published over 72 research papers in Hindi, English, and Japanese and has presented at various international forums in the U.S., Japan, China, Sweden, Estonia, and other countries.

Dr. Singh’s primary areas of interest include Pali and Sanskrit literature and the applied aspects of Buddhism. His appointment is expected to further strengthen Nava Nalanda Mahavihara’s standing as a premier institution for Buddhist studies and to enhance its role in promoting India’s cultural heritage on the global stage.