NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar’s Rajgir, celebrating the revival of an ancient seat of learning.
– In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed his honor to visit Nalanda so soon after beginning his third term as Prime Minister. “I am happy that I got the opportunity to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for the 3rd time,” he said.
– The PM highlighted Nalanda’s historical and cultural significance, saying, “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 also spoke on Nalanda’s broader legacy saying, “This new campus will give the world an example of India’s potential.”
– On Nalanda’s global impact, PM Modi said, “Nalanda will tell that nations which are based on strong human values know how to revive the past and lay the foundation for a better future. Nalanda is not just about revival of Indian history but it is also linked with legacy of many Asian countries.”
– PM Modi also highlighted the importance of Nalanda as a symbol of India’s rich educational heritage and its role in fostering global knowledge exchange. “Nalanda University symbol of India’s academic heritage, vibrant cultural exchange,” PM Modi said.
– He emphasized the government’s commitment to developing world-class educational infrastructure to attract students and scholars globally.
The inauguration was attended by governor Rajendra V Arlekar, chief minister Nitish Kumar, and external affairs minister S Jaishankar.
Before the inauguration, the PM visited the nearby Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring the historical significance of the location. Nalanda Mahavihara, an ancient center of learning, flourished for 800 years from the fifth century, attracting scholars from around the world before its destruction in the 12th century.
Nalanda University, re-established through the Nalanda University Act in 2010, began its academic operations in 2014. The new campus marks a significant milestone in reviving the legacy of the ancient institution and positioning it as a modern center for higher education and research.
Governor Arlekar and CM Kumar also addressed the gathering, expressing their pride in Bihar’s historical contribution to education and their hopes for the new campus to continue this legacy.
The new campus is expected to enhance the university’s ability to offer a diverse range of academic programs and facilitate international collaborations, reflecting the ancient university’s tradition of being a global hub of learning.
A historic legacy
The ancient Nalanda University, known for its vast library and diverse range of subjects taught, was a beacon of knowledge in ancient times.
The university attracted students from across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia. Its destruction by invaders in the 12th century marked the end of a significant chapter in the history of global education.
Reviving a global educational hub
The re-establishment of Nalanda University is seen as a step towards reclaiming its historical role in the modern era. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on interdisciplinary research, the new campus aims to nurture a new generation of scholars and thinkers who can contribute to addressing global challenges.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar, who played a key role in the university’s international collaborations, spoke about the university’s potential to become a prominent institution for higher learning in Asia.
The new Nalanda University campus is poised to become a center of academic excellence, carrying forward the legacy of its ancient predecessor while contributing to the future of education in India and beyond.
– In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed his honor to visit Nalanda so soon after beginning his third term as Prime Minister. “I am happy that I got the opportunity to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for the 3rd time,” he said.
– The PM highlighted Nalanda’s historical and cultural significance, saying, “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 also spoke on Nalanda’s broader legacy saying, “This new campus will give the world an example of India’s potential.”
– On Nalanda’s global impact, PM Modi said, “Nalanda will tell that nations which are based on strong human values know how to revive the past and lay the foundation for a better future. Nalanda is not just about revival of Indian history but it is also linked with legacy of many Asian countries.”
– PM Modi also highlighted the importance of Nalanda as a symbol of India’s rich educational heritage and its role in fostering global knowledge exchange. “Nalanda University symbol of India’s academic heritage, vibrant cultural exchange,” PM Modi said.
– He emphasized the government’s commitment to developing world-class educational infrastructure to attract students and scholars globally.
The inauguration was attended by governor Rajendra V Arlekar, chief minister Nitish Kumar, and external affairs minister S Jaishankar.
Before the inauguration, the PM visited the nearby Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring the historical significance of the location. Nalanda Mahavihara, an ancient center of learning, flourished for 800 years from the fifth century, attracting scholars from around the world before its destruction in the 12th century.
Nalanda University, re-established through the Nalanda University Act in 2010, began its academic operations in 2014. The new campus marks a significant milestone in reviving the legacy of the ancient institution and positioning it as a modern center for higher education and research.
Governor Arlekar and CM Kumar also addressed the gathering, expressing their pride in Bihar’s historical contribution to education and their hopes for the new campus to continue this legacy.
The new campus is expected to enhance the university’s ability to offer a diverse range of academic programs and facilitate international collaborations, reflecting the ancient university’s tradition of being a global hub of learning.
A historic legacy
The ancient Nalanda University, known for its vast library and diverse range of subjects taught, was a beacon of knowledge in ancient times.
The university attracted students from across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia. Its destruction by invaders in the 12th century marked the end of a significant chapter in the history of global education.
Reviving a global educational hub
The re-establishment of Nalanda University is seen as a step towards reclaiming its historical role in the modern era. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on interdisciplinary research, the new campus aims to nurture a new generation of scholars and thinkers who can contribute to addressing global challenges.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar, who played a key role in the university’s international collaborations, spoke about the university’s potential to become a prominent institution for higher learning in Asia.
The new Nalanda University campus is poised to become a center of academic excellence, carrying forward the legacy of its ancient predecessor while contributing to the future of education in India and beyond.