International Relations and Peace Studies—Postgraduate Degree at Nalanda University

August 5th, 2026 | Bihar, India

© 2026 Anisa Reddy. All Rights Reserved.

"Ladies and gentlemen, from the flight deck, we have started our descent into Bihar. We expect to be on the ground in about 30 minutes. The local time is 06:49 AM, and the current weather is pleasant with a temperature of 31 degrees. We would like to thank you for flying with us today, and we hope you enjoy the rest of your flight."

Bag packed, costumes set, sneakers on with Boeing MH0198 I arrived to Patna, Bihar, India. That day marked a new beginning of my life. I arrived on the soil of Bihar for the first time. Overwhelmed—that is the exact word. I have been to India before during my journalism program you can visit here. 

From the above view, I saw a dormant land, a giant once was majestic, full of glow. That land now is being shut down for whatever reason. I chose Nalanda University as my postgraduate place. It is an ancient university from thousand years ago. Being able to be there and study at the very ancient vibe was unbelievable and I am incredibly honoured. 

I study at the School of International Relations and Peace Studies. I chose IRPS because I worked very close with many diplomats and international representatives during my job at TVRI. I am keen at networking and building vast connections, and interested to be a diplomat since. 

It is questionable that I do not feel uncomfortable during my first week—like I have been here before and I am very excited. Where do all of these exitements came from?

The Spirit of Rajgir and Nalanda

On August 9, Sunday noon, I went to Rajgir traditional market. Seemingly some people avoid the Rajgir market. Most of international students complained of the lack of modern infrastructures, personal safety, and cleanliness. Curious, I went there alone with the local buggy costed around 20 rupees. Some drivers asked for more, around 50 to 100 rupees. Locally, the transport costs only 10 rupees, perhaps for newcomer, they charge more.

The Giant Land up from the sky.
© 2026 Anisa Reddy. All Rights Reserved.

Diving headfirst into local culture is often how the best memories are made. That being written, as I settle into my routine, I would love to balance with good measure of practical street smarts too! 

I am integrating myself with local people, and guess? It is very rewarding! Many people are happy to help me all along, and I am extremely delighted to be here. Plus they love smiling too. I observed, they are quite religious people, from local buggy driver to university driver, they all have the same quality: prayer mantra as phone ringtone! 

Moreover, I saw many Swastika symbols everywhere all over the Rajgir streets. Swastika holds powerful connection to ancient Indian wisdom. Sailesh, the driver I met who picked me up from the airport to my campus, told, majority of Bihari living here follows Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). We had a long chat along the way from Patna to Rajgir, that almost took over 4 hours. Even though it was quite difficult caused by language barrier, thanks to Google Translate, it did help a lot.

I sense the spirit of Bihari who work very hard, the laughters of playful children while I was on the way back to my campus. Those memories are expensive. 

Where many see only surface-level friction, the dust, the noise, the dirt, or the lack of modern infrastructure, I am looking through the lens of history, soul, and human resilience. I saw a majestic place once being assigned as kingdom. Rajgir, Bihar was the first capital of the ancient Magadha, and Patna (ancient Pataliputra) was the second capital of the empire. Bihar is cradled by sacred hills and walked by scholars, seekers, and kings for thousands years.

© 2026 Anisa Reddy. All Rights Reserved.

I have an amazing view in front of my desk. Surrounded by five Rajgir Hills (historically known as Rajgriha), once the clock ticking upon 5, I am able to feel the fresh morning scene with trains in and out. Doing my works while feeling the vibe of the land, enhances my focus and well-being overall. 

Writing is much more worth it with the majestic view of the desk. Lucky me!

***

About The Author | Anisa Reddy

Media Professional | Former Broadcast Journalist | MA Candidate, Nalanda University

Anisa Reddy is a renown media professional, former News Anchor, Reporter and Journalist at Indonesia's largest television station, Television of the Republic Indonesia (TVRI). She spent years on the forefront of regional and national screen, reporting major events across the nations. She excels in reporting, investigative journalism and broadcasting and public communication. 

She is currently pursuing her postgraduate degree at the School of International Relations and Peace Studies (IRPS) at Nalanda University, India, where she expands her expertise in geopolitics, strategic global diplomacy and international leadership. 

Her transition from journalism to international relations was marked by her role in high-stake diplomacy. In 2024, she was selected as the sole representative from Indonesia for the 79th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP)—a flagship initiative organized by Ministry of External Affairs India for Journalist of Indian Diaspora. During this programme, she engaged with senior diplomatic leaders, including India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar. 

Today, she combines her rich background in broadcast journalism with her rigorous academic focus in international relations.She is one of the future global leaders from Nalanda University, who has as an influential voice in international relations and cross-border diplomacy.