On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University, marking his first official visit to the state after being sworn in for a third term. PM Modi expressed his joy, saying, “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.”
Historic Roots and Modern Revival
Before the inauguration, PM Modi visited the ancient ruins of Nalanda University in Bihar, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016. This visit underlined the deep historical and cultural significance of Nalanda. The Prime Minister emphasized that the new Nalanda University would play a crucial role in meeting the educational aspirations of today’s youth.
Significance of Nalanda University
Taking to social media, PM Modi remarked on the importance of the day for India’s education sector. He highlighted the strong historical connection Nalanda has with India’s glorious past. The new campus is located in Rajgir, about 12 km from the ancient ruins, and has been under construction for the past four years.
Dignitaries and Global Participation
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Nalanda University Chancellor Arvind Panagariya. Additionally, envoys from 17 countries, such as Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and others, were present, reflecting Nalanda’s global significance.
Campus Facilities and Infrastructure
The new Nalanda University campus is expansive, covering 455 acres. It includes two academic blocks, each with 40 classrooms and seating for 1,900 students. The campus boasts two auditoriums, each accommodating 300 people, a student hostel for 550 individuals, an international center, a large auditorium for 2,000 people, a faculty club, and a sports complex. The campus is designed to serve around 7,500 teachers and students, offering courses across six schools, including Historical Studies, Ecology and Environmental Studies, Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Languages and Literature/Humanities, Management Studies, and International Relations.
Sustainable and Culturally Sensitive Design
Designed by Vastu Shilpa Consultants, the new campus of Nalanda University uses only eight percent of the available land for construction, preserving the natural landscape. The design draws inspiration from the architectural and geographical setting of the ancient Nalanda University. The campus includes open study rooms, “bottle-shaped” bazaars, shopping arcades, and is a no-vehicle zone, promoting walking and cycling.
Innovative Features
The new Nalanda campus integrates innovative features, such as a heat-trapping double-wall design for the main buildings and a system to use heat from air conditioners to produce hot water. The academic blocks resemble the ancient cells of Nalanda University, enhancing the study environment.
Financial Contributions and International Support
While the total project cost has not been disclosed, as of August 2016, India contributed Rs 684.74 crore, with additional contributions from China, Australia, Thailand, and Laos. This international support highlights the global commitment to reviving the legacy of Nalanda.
Cultural and Academic Continuity
The new campus retains the cultural and architectural ethos of the ancient Nalanda University, a renowned center of learning from the 5th to the 12th century AD. It aims to maintain the historic teacher-student ratio of 1:8, ensuring personalized and quality education for all students.
UNESCO Heritage and Historical Significance
The ruins of ancient Nalanda University, declared a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 2016, symbolize the multidisciplinary tradition of education that included subjects like mathematics, astronomy, grammar, logic, and defense studies. The new Nalanda University seeks to revive and continue this rich legacy.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration of the new Nalanda University campus marks a significant step in rekindling India’s historical ties with its ancient centers of learning. Nalanda University, with its modern facilities and strong cultural foundations, will become a beacon of education, attracting students and scholars from around the world.
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