On June 19, The Prime Minister during his visit to Bihar inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University. It is an international University established near to the site of its ancient ruins. Earlier to the inauguration event, PM also visited the ruins of ancient Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
PM Modi about Nalanda University
PM Modi in the inauguration ceremony mentioned, " I am happy that I got the opportunity to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for the 3rd time...Nalanda is not just a name, it is an identity and respect. Nalanda is a value and mantra...fire can burn books, but it can't destroy knowledge."
Pm Modi said, “Nalanda is the proclamation of this truth that books may burn in the flames of fire, but the flames of fire cannot destroy knowledge. Nalanda is an identity, respect, and pride.”
Who all attended the event?
EAM S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from 17 countries, comprising Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, all countries who have signed the agreement of MoUs, were present at the event.
Also in attendance were Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary, and Vijay Sinha.
"Our fellow countries have also participated in the reconstruction of the university, Nalanda belongs to Asian History not just India’ PM Modi emphasised.
He added, “students from 20 countries have started coming here in Nalanda.”
PM Modi Visited Ruins of Nalanda University
Prior to the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi visited the ancient ruins of Nalanda International University. He also planted a sapling of Bodhi tree in the campus brought from Bodh Gaya.
Nalanda University Chancellor Arvind Panagariya and Interim Vice-Chancellor Abhay Kumar Singh were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Modi said that India has lived as a model of sustainability for centuries and in the coming days India should become a centre of education and knowledge for the world. “India should once again be recognised as the most prominent knowledge centre in the world,” he said.
He also stressed that the Central government is always ready to give all possible help to Nalanda University.
About the Nalanda University
Founded originally in the 5th century, the ancient Nalanda University attracted students worldwide and thrived for 800 years until its destruction in the 12th century by invaders.
The New Nalanda University was established in 2010. It gained significant momentum in 2014 under Mr. Modi's leadership, aiming to restore its ancient prestige as a global hub of learning and knowledge in the 21st century.
The new campus is organised into two academic blocks, each equipped with 40 classrooms accommodating approximately 1900 students. It boasts two auditoriums seating 300 each, a student hostel for about 550 residents, and additional facilities such as an international centre, a 2000-seat auditorium, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
Nalanda University offers 137 scholarships to international students, including those sponsored by the ASEAN-India Fund, BIMSTEC, and the Bhutan Scholarship through MEA. It provides programs in Post Graduate studies, doctoral research, and short-term certificate courses.
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