JCI India’s premium leadership programme brings young leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals together for four days of intensive learning, networking and leadership transformation
Bhubaneswar, August 12, 2026:
The much-awaited NALANDA 2026 – National Academy of Leadership and Administration, one of the flagship leadership development programmes of Junior Chamber International (JCI) India, was officially inaugurated in Bhubaneswar with the participation of 100 selected national and international participants, bringing together JCI leaders, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals and business leaders from across India and beyond.
The inaugural session was formally declared open by JFG Bharat N Acharya, National President, JCI India 2026, in the presence of Zone Presidents, Nalanda Coordinators, present and former General Body members, Local Organisation (LO) Presidents, Zone Trainers, coaches and the host team of JCI Bhubaneswar.
The four-day residential leadership programme is being hosted by JCI Bhubaneswar under Zone 27, which comprises Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The event is supported by a dedicated host team of around 50 JCI Bhubaneswar members.
The 2026 edition has brought together 83 Local Organisation (LO) participants, while the remaining participants represent the corporate, entrepreneurial and professional sectors. The diverse participation has created a unique platform for cross-sector learning, leadership exchange and relationship building.
Odisha’s cultural heritage sets the tone for Nalanda 2026
The inaugural ceremony began with a traditional Odisha welcome, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage through Dhul-Dhuli Baja, followed by an Odia ceremonial welcome involving Dipa, Dhupa, Pushpa and Chandan, with sandalwood paste ceremonially applied on the foreheads of participants, national leaders and coaches.
The culturally rooted welcome provided a distinctive Odisha identity to the national leadership programme and reflected the spirit of hospitality, tradition and values associated with the state.
Four distinguished coaches lead the leadership journey
Nalanda 2026 is being guided by a distinguished team of four coaches:
- Dr. G. Subramaniam – Pilot Faculty, International Training Mentor and Head Coach
- Dr. Justin Thomas – National Trainer and Author
- Prof. Vedula Ramalakshmi – Iconic Trainer and Co-Coach
- Keshav Jain – National Trainer, Speaker and Co-Coach
The programme is designed to provide participants with an immersive leadership experience combining intensive training, reflection, communication, decision-making, team development, relationship building and practical leadership learning.
According to JCI India, NALANDA is a premium leadership training programme designed to enhance leadership capabilities and prepare participants to take on greater responsibilities within and beyond the organisation. The programme focuses on areas such as effective communication, decision-making and team management, while providing opportunities for professional growth.
“Nalanda is about transformation, relationships and creating a legacy of leadership” – JFG Bharat N Acharya
Inaugurating Nalanda 2026, JFG Bharat N Acharya, National President, JCI India, said that Nalanda was not merely a programme for acquiring knowledge, but a transformational leadership experience.
“This event is organised not only to acquire knowledge, but also to transform future leaders by creating relationships, developing inner qualities, building strong networks and preparing ourselves to live the legacy of leadership.”
He further highlighted the significance of hosting the national programme in Bhubaneswar and noted that Nalanda 2026 marks the third major national event hosted by Zone 27 – JCI Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the selected participants, the National President congratulated them on being chosen for the programme and said that the overwhelming response demonstrated the importance and reputation of Nalanda within JCI.
He said that the world looks forward to Nalanda because of the distinctive leadership experience it offers. He also revealed that all available participant positions were confirmed within 24 hours, with 100 participants selected from 125 applications.
“You are all born leaders. But because of circumstances and various reasons, sometimes you may not be able to exercise the leadership qualities that you naturally possess. Nalanda is the platform that will push you to rediscover and bring back those qualities within you.”
He encouraged the participants to use the programme not only for learning but also for building lifelong relationships.
“The friends you are going to make here may stay with you throughout your life. Make friends, build a strong network and make the best of Nalanda 2026.”
“Every new Nalanda comes straight from the heart” – Dr. G. Subramaniam
Addressing the gathering, Head Coach Dr. G. Subramaniam described Nalanda as a leadership experience that evolves with every edition while retaining its emotional and transformational core.
He said:
“Every new version of Nalanda will come straight from the heart.”
Explaining why Bhubaneswar was chosen as the destination for this edition, Dr. Subramaniam connected the programme with the cultural and spiritual identity of Odisha.
He said that Bhubaneswar and Odisha represent a land of peace and pointed towards Puri Jagannath, describing the destination as the “heart of Krishna” and emphasising that the essence of the experience comes from the heart.
His address underlined the deeper philosophy of Nalanda – that leadership is not only about knowledge and skills, but also about values, relationships, empathy, inner strength and the ability to connect with people.
Founded in 1915, JCI is a global network of young active citizens focused on leadership development, personal growth and creating positive change. JCI India, established in 1949, provides young professionals and entrepreneurs opportunities for leadership, training, networking, community service and national and international exposure. Further one can visit the official website “www.jciindia.in/”
The inaugural session was presided over by JC Ankur Jhunjhunwala, National Chairman, Organising Committee, Nalanda 2026, who formally welcomed the dignitaries, coaches and participants and steered the proceedings of the inaugural ceremony. The distinguished dignitaries and coaching faculty were subsequently felicitated by the members of the National Leadership Team and National Organising Team, marking a formal and dignified beginning to Nalanda 2026.
Adding a strong cultural dimension to the opening, Prof. Vedula Ramalakshmi, Iconic Trainer and Co-Coach, addressed the gathering with an insightful introduction to the Odissi dance tradition, explaining its deep spiritual connection with Lord Jagannath and its role as an expression of devotion, discipline and cultural heritage. Drawing a connection between the art form and leadership, her opening remarks created an inspiring context for the learning journey ahead.
At the conclusion of the inaugural proceedings, Prof. Ramalakshmi briefed the participants about the upcoming programme and agenda, encouraging them to approach the Nalanda experience with openness, enthusiasm and a commitment to personal transformation. The inaugural ceremony concluded on a warm and celebratory note with a collective photo session involving the national leadership, coaches, dignitaries, host team and participants, capturing the spirit of unity and fellowship that defines Nalanda 2026.
