Rekindling India’s ties with its past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of Nalanda University’s inauguration, said on Wednesday that the varsity will “go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth.”Taking to X, PM Modi said, “It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious part.”
He will also be visiting the Ruins of Nalanda at around 9:45 am. The ruins were declared a United Nations Heritage site in 2016.
According to an official statement, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University at around 10:30 am. Following that, he will also address the gathering. After being sworn-in as the Prime Minister for the record third term, this will be Narendra Modi’s first official visit to the state.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Nalanda University Chancellor Arvind Panagariya will attend the inauguration ceremony.
Foreign envoys from a total of 17 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, will also be attending the event.
The campus is divided into two academic blocks, each with 40 classrooms and a total seating capacity of around 1900. It includes two auditoriums, each with a seating capacity of 300. It contains a student hostel with a capacity of around 550 people. It also features several additional amenities, such as an international center, an auditorium that can seat up to 2000 people, a faculty club, and a sports complex, among others.
PM Unveiling of Nalanda University Campus
The highlight of the Prime Minister’s visit was the unveiling of the new Nalanda University campus. This initiative is not just a nod to the glorious past but also a beacon for future generations. The university, envisioned as a center for advanced research and knowledge dissemination, aims to rekindle the spirit of its predecessor, which once attracted scholars from across the globe.
The new campus, sprawling over hundreds of acres, boasts state-of-the-art facilities that blend modern architectural marvels with traditional design elements inspired by the ancient ruins nearby. With a focus on interdisciplinary research and global collaboration, the institution aspires to reclaim its place among the world’s leading centers of learning.
A Tribute to Ancient Wisdom
Prime Minister Modi’s visit began with a solemn tour of the Nalanda ruins. These remnants of one of the world’s oldest universities, dating back to the 5th century CE, served as a poignant reminder of India’s rich academic traditions. Nalanda, in its prime, was a thriving hub of knowledge, attracting scholars and students from countries as far-flung as China, Korea, Japan, and Central Asia.
The ruins, meticulously preserved and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a testament to the university’s extensive curriculum and the multicultural environment it fostered. Walking through the ancient corridors and viewing the remains of stupas, monasteries, and classrooms, the Prime Minister reflected on the significance of this historic site and its impact on global education.
Remarks from the Prime Minister
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of reviving Nalanda’s educational ethos in contemporary times. “Nalanda was not just a university; it was an idea, a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge and understanding,” he said. “Today, as we unveil this new campus, we are not merely constructing a building but reigniting a beacon of learning that will inspire generations to come.”
He emphasized the university’s role in fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange, aligning with India’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). The Prime Minister also underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and promoting India as a global education hub.
