Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the new Nalanda University campus in Rajgir, Bihar, on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from approximately 17 countries were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, alongside External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from 17 nations on Wednesday.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) earlier in the day, PM Modi expressed his joy, dubbing it a momentous day for education. He noted the inauguration of the new campus at 10:30 AM, emphasizing Nalanda’s rich historical ties and its potential in shaping youth education.
The establishment of this new campus is a joint endeavor between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. The original Nalanda University, dating back approximately 1600 years, held the distinction of being one of the world’s earliest residential universities until its demise in the 12th century.
The new campus comprises two academic blocks housing 40 classrooms, accommodating around 1900 students, along with two 300-seat auditoriums and a student hostel for approximately 550 students. Additionally, it features an international center, an amphitheater for up to 2000 individuals, a faculty club, a sports complex, and various other amenities.
Notably, the campus is designed as a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus, incorporating solar plants, water treatment and recycling facilities, 100 acres of water bodies, and other eco-friendly features.
Arvind Panagariya, the Chancellor of the new Nalanda University, expressed delight and optimism about preserving the essence of ancient Nalanda University. He highlighted its international character and the collaborative spirit in its conception, aiming to emulate the spirit of the ancient institution while infusing it with modernity.
Nalanda University comprises six schools, focusing on Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions, Historical Studies, Ecology and Environmental Studies, and Sustainable Development and Management. It seeks to revive the legacy of its ancient counterpart and uphold its tradition of academic excellence.
The university offers 137 scholarships for international students and has attracted students from diverse countries such as Argentina, Ghana, Indonesia, and the USA for its postgraduate and PhD programs.
The modern Nalanda University was established through the Nalanda University Act of 2010, following a decision at the second East Asia Summit in 2007. It commenced operations in 2014 from a temporary site and began construction of the new campus in 2017, with significant international involvement through MoUs signed with 17 countries.
