Inspiring the Next Generation: Role Models and Mentors at Nalanda

For a community striving to establish its presence in the academic sphere, having role models from within creates an unparalleled sense of confidence. At Nalanda, inspiration comes from diverse sources—our revered leader Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, our accomplished alumni, and our global network of mentors. Here’s how they’re shaping the thought processes and aspirations of our students:

Our Beloved Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

Dr. Ambedkar’s teachings are an integral part of Nalanda’s academic philosophy, instilling values of equality, resilience, and ambition. On the 66th Mahaparinirvan Din, our students took center stage, sharing their reflections on Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy through speeches, poems, and ballads. These activities reinforce his ideals and motivate students to pursue education as a tool for empowerment.

Creating Role Models: Nalanda Alumni Network

Our alumni network, comprising over 1,200 individuals from modest beginnings, now thrives in premier universities across India and abroad. They stand as living proof of what determination, guidance, and education can achieve.

Introduction to Law: Nalanda alumni currently studying law initiated an online lecture series titled Introduction to Law. This program mentors students from rural, non-English backgrounds, guiding them to pursue integrated law courses at National Law Universities.

Inspiring the Future: Alumni returning during academic breaks often conduct mentorship sessions, sharing their experiences and interacting with current students to inspire and guide them toward success.

Building Our Space:  Recognizing the importance of infrastructure in fostering learning, our alumni are actively contributing to building the Nalanda Abhiyan Campus. On November 27, 2022, 40 alumni convened at Nalanda to brainstorm fundraising strategies. This initiative underscores their commitment to providing future students with better resources and facilities, enabling them to thrive academically and personally.

Homecoming: For our alumni, Nalanda remains a cherished space. During winter breaks, they return to the academy, taking sessions to mentor and connect with current students. This tradition fosters a sense of belonging and continuity, reinforcing the academy’s community-driven ethos.

Advocates for Social Change: At Nalanda, we emphasize not only individual achievements but also the responsibility of uplifting the community. While Nalanda runs its outreach programs, many of our alumni take independent initiatives to promote the importance of quality higher education in their local communities.

Global Community Mentors

Nalanda’s success is bolstered by a network of friends, well-wishers, and community members worldwide who generously share their expertise with our students. Alongside online mentorship sessions, many patrons personally visit the academy to engage with and guide students. In recent months, we are privileged to host a variety of distinguished guests who share their expertise and inspire our students:

• Dr. Khushahal Thool (Ph.D., IIT Bombay) discussed advanced research in Material Science and the journey of pursuing a Ph.D.
• Dr. Subodh Patil (Assistant Professor, Leiden University) shared insights into cutting-edge physics and navigating an academic career abroad.
• Ms. Prerana Deshbratar (IAS, Collector, Wardha) guided students on preparing for Civil Services.
• Mr. Snehdeep Fulzhele (Author, Die Poor or Live Rich) shared strategies for achieving financial independence and resilience.
• Mr. Chethan Suryawanshi (Mechanical Design Engineer, Spain) inspired students with his journey of building a global career.
• Ms. Chetana Kamble (MBA Finance, MS Business Analytics, Data Scientist, USA) shared her journey in data science and discussed career opportunities in business analytics.

Nalanda Academy thrives on the collective efforts of its students, alumni, and mentors. Together, they embody the spirit of community empowerment and the pursuit of excellence, ensuring that every student has the guidance and inspiration needed to fulfill their dreams.