Rajgir, Bihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, on Wednesday. The event was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from 17 nations.
“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 past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth,” PM Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Key Highlights About Nalanda University:
- Location and History:
- The new campus is situated near the ancient ruins of Nalanda.
- Established by the Nalanda University Act of 2010, it follows a decision made at the second East Asia Summit in 2007.
- Historical Significance:
- Originally founded in the fifth century, the ancient Nalanda University was a renowned learning center for 800 years before being destroyed in the 12th century.
- Modern Re-establishment:
- The contemporary university began operations in 2014 with an initial cohort of 14 students.
- Construction of the new campus started in 2017.
- International Collaboration:
- Seventeen countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Thailand, have signed MoUs to support the university.
- Scholarships and Schools:
- Offers 137 scholarships to international students.
- Comprises six schools: Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions, Historical Studies, Ecology and Environmental Studies, and Sustainable Development and Management.
- International Student Body:
- The student body includes individuals from diverse countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, and the USA.
- Campus Facilities:
- Two academic blocks with 40 classrooms and seating for 1,900 students.
- Two auditoriums, each with 300 seats, and hostels for 550 students.
- Additional facilities include an international center, an amphitheater, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
- Eco-friendly Initiatives:
- The campus is designed as a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus with solar power installations, water treatment facilities, and a water recycling plant.
- Partnership with EAS Countries:
- Envisioned as a partnership between India and East Asia Summit countries, reflecting its historical importance as one of the world’s first residential universities.
This new development aims to revive the legacy of Nalanda University as a global center for learning and cultural exchange, contributing significantly to the educational landscape of India and beyond.
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