Rajgir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries.
The inauguration ceremony saw attendance from several distinguished guests, including the Heads of Missions from 17 countries. In a symbolic gesture, the Prime Minister also planted a sapling on the new campus.
Expressing his delight, PM Modi noted the auspicious timing of his visit, just ten days into his third term. He remarked on Nalanda’s historic significance, stating, “Nalanda is not just a name, it is an identity, a regard. It is the root, the mantra, the proclamation that knowledge cannot be destroyed even though books would burn in a fire.”
He emphasized that the establishment of the new Nalanda University would herald a golden age for India.
Modi highlighted that the revival of Nalanda, near its ancient ruins, symbolizes India’s enduring values and capabilities. He stressed that this revival is a collaborative effort, evident from the participation of many countries in the project, and praised the people of Bihar for their dedication to restoring Nalanda’s glory.
Reflecting on Nalanda’s historical role as a center of culture and education, Modi underscored the importance of continuing this legacy. He noted that students from over 20 countries are already studying at the university, embodying the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family).
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister called upon the students and scholars of Nalanda to uphold and spread the values of their institution. He urged them to be curious, courageous, and kind, and to work towards positive societal change.
Modi expressed his belief that Nalanda’s knowledge would guide humanity and that the university would become a key center for global causes.
The ceremony was attended by Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister for External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary, Nalanda University Chancellor Professor Arvind Panagariya, and Vice Chancellor Professor Abhay Kumar Singh, among other dignitaries.
Background
The new Nalanda University campus features two academic blocks with 40 classrooms accommodating around 1,900 students, two auditoriums with a capacity of 300 seats each, a student hostel for 550 students, and various other facilities including an international center, an amphitheater for up to 2,000 individuals, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
The campus is a ‘Net Zero’ green campus, equipped with solar power, water treatment plants, water recycling facilities, and extensive water bodies, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
The original Nalanda University, established approximately 1,600 years ago, is one of the world’s first residential universities. Its ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
In March 2006, then President of India, late APJ Abdul Kalam, had proposed the idea to revive Nalanda University. In the following year, the Bihar Assembly passed a bill to create the new campus. Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen was the first Chancellor of the university 1,597 years ago.
