Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near Rajgir, Bihar. The ceremony included the planting of a Bodhi tree sapling, symbolizing Buddhist heritage and Indian spirituality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near Rajgir, Bihar, on June 19, 2024. He also planted a sapling of the Bodhi tree, an enduring symbol of Buddhist heritage and Indian spirituality, at the campus. The event was attended by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, and University Chancellor Prof. Aravind Panagariya.
The modern Nalanda University, located near the ancient ruins of Nalanda, was established by an Act of the Indian Parliament. The University aims to revive the historic Nalanda as a global institution for intellectual, philosophical, historical, and spiritual studies. The Nalanda University Act, passed in 2010, was based on decisions from the East Asia Summits in 2007 and 2009. Construction of the new campus began in 2017 under Prime Minister Modi’s direction, furthering India’s ‘Act East’ Policy.
Seventeen countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China, participated in this initiative. Ambassadors from these countries attended the inauguration.
The new 455-acre campus features architecture inspired by the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. It is a ‘Net Zero Green Campus’ with over 100 acres of water bodies, an on-grid solar plant, and extensive green cover. The campus includes a Yoga Center, auditorium, library, archival center, and sports complex.
Nalanda University focuses on higher education and research, offering postgraduate and doctoral programs in Buddhist studies, philosophy, languages, ecology, sustainable development, and international relations. Currently, students from over 20 countries are enrolled.
Source – MEA India
