Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near Rajgir, Bihar. During the event, he planted a sapling of the Bodhi tree, symbolizing Buddhist heritage and Indian spirituality.
Distinguished guests included Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, MoS for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, and University Chancellor Prof. Aravind Panagariya.
Revival of Ancient Glory
Located near the ancient ruins of Nalanda, the modern Nalanda University (NU) was established by an Act of Parliament to restore the historic institution’s legacy as an international center for intellectual, philosophical, historical, and spiritual studies. The Nalanda University Act, passed in 2010, followed decisions from the 2nd East Asia Summit (Philippines, 2007) and the 4th East Asia Summit (Thailand, 2009). Significant progress on the project began in 2017 under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, enhancing India’s ‘Act East’ policy.
International Collaboration
Seventeen countries have joined India in this initiative: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ambassadors from these nations attended the inauguration ceremony.
Campus Design and Sustainability
The 455-acre campus’s design draws inspiration from the original monasteries and buildings of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. It features a ‘Net Zero Green Campus’ with over 100 acres of water bodies, an on-grid solar plant, water treatment and recycling facilities, and extensive green spaces. The campus also includes a 250-capacity Yoga Center, a state-of-the-art auditorium, library, archival center, and a fully equipped sports complex.
Academic Focus and International Enrollment
Nalanda University emphasizes higher education and research, offering postgraduate and doctoral programs in Buddhist studies, philosophy, comparative religions, languages, literature, ecology, environmental studies, sustainable development, and international relations. Currently, students from over 20 countries, including India, are enrolled in various courses at the University.
Share your news, articles, deals, columns, or press releases with us! Click the link to submit and join our platform today.
