In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new, modern campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir today, rekindling the glory of the ancient center of learning that had drawn scholars from across the world over a millennium ago.
Addressing a gathering of dignitaries including envoys from 17 countries, PM Modi hailed Nalanda as not just a name but an identity and a proclamation that knowledge can never be destroyed. He expressed his fortune at visiting the iconic site within 10 days of starting his third term, calling it “a positive indication towards India’s developmental journey.”
The new, eco-friendly campus aimed at being a net-zero facility for energy, water and waste aims to initiate “a golden age” for India by reviving the spirit of the ancient university that had hosted students from across borders until the 12th century. “Nalanda carries the heritage not just of India but of Asia and many countries,” Modi said.
Built through collaboration between India and the East Asia Summit nations, the modern avatar of Nalanda already hosts students from over 20 countries – a microcosm of the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (world is one family) philosophy, the PM noted.
He stressed that just like ancient India shared the wealth of yoga and Ayurveda globally with no claim of monopoly, the reborn Nalanda would also strengthen universal brotherhood and anchor India’s re-emergence as a prominent “knowledge center of the world.”
The new campus located close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient university’s ruins features academic blocks, hostels, auditoriums, an amphitheater and other facilities over a lush green surrounding with water bodies. It aims to be a living model of sustainability through use of solar energy, water recycling and other green practices. With this inauguration, Modi said India has taken a major step towards realizing its vision of becoming a “global destination for education” and the “most comprehensive research-oriented higher education system in the world” by 2047.
