Nalanda University reached a notable milestone in higher education and historical significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the new campus on Wednesday. Located close to the ancient remains in Rajgir, Bihar, which holds great historical and educational importance, the new campus signifies a fresh start in the university’s history.
The university currently consists of six schools: the School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions; the School of Historical Studies; the School of Ecology and Environmental Studies; and the School of Sustainable Development and Management.
The campus consists of 24 spacious buildings, built with an expenditure of Rs 1,749 crore.
137 scholarships are offered by the university for international students. Students from various countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Myanmar, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, the USA, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe are enrolled in postgraduate programmes for the academic years 2022-24 and 2023-25, as well as the PhD programme for 2023-27.
The organization works with 17 countries, such as Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. These nations have agreed to sign Memorandums of Understanding to aid the university.
Vice-chancellor Abhay Kumar Singh mentioned the careful techniques employed to blend the new campus with the historic buildings of Nalanda. The university contains the largest library in the world, with more than three hundred thousand books and manuscripts stored there.
Construction work began on Nalanda University’s new campus in 2016.
455 acres of land in Rajgir were obtained and transferred to the university administration following a special effort by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, as stated by the vice chancellor.
Established in the 5th century, the famous Nalanda University was a respected educational institution that flourished for 800 years until falling to invaders in the 12th century.
Green Campus
The campus is a green campus that is ‘Net Zero’. It is equipped with a solar plant, water treatment facilities for domestic and drinking water, a water recycling plant for wastewater reuse, 100 acres of water bodies, and various other eco-friendly amenities, making it self-sufficient.
What PM Modi said?
Modi, at the opening of the new Nalanda University campus, urged students to always stay curious and brave.
Today, we are inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University. It is a reiteration of our commitment to encourage learning, research and innovation. It is also an effort to draw the best scholars from the world to come and pursue their education in our country. pic.twitter.com/MuwKNs6m0Z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2024
Nalanda represents India’s rich academic history and dynamic cultural interaction. He said it is not only a revival of India’s history, but the legacy of numerous nations is connected to this site.
The government is dedicated to enhancing the higher education system in the country to focus more on research and advancement. Modi expressed certainty that the young generation will lead the global community in the future.
The prime minister expressed his desire for India to be recognized as a worldwide center for knowledge and education.
“In the past decade, an average of one new university has been established in the country every week,” stated Modi.
Prior to the opening of the new campus, the Prime Minister went to the ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’, a UNESCO world heritage site near the university.
The educational institution was founded in 2010 under the Nalanda University Act and began operations in 2014.
Since its establishment in the fifth century, students from around the globe were drawn to the historic Nalanda University. According to experts, it thrived for 800 years before invaders destroyed it in the 12th century. Correção de pacote PTI embalado.