PM Modi unveils Nalanda University in Bihar
PM Modi unveils Nalanda University in Bihar
PM Modi unveiled the Nalanda University in Bihar.
The Nalanda University was established by th e Parliament of India through the Nalanda University Act, 2010 which formed the basis for implementing the decisions arrived at the second East Asia Summit (EAS) (Philippines, 2007) for the floating of the university as an “international institution for pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies” and at the forth East Asia Summit (Thailand, 2009).
It commenced operation in 2014 from a makeshift location with 14 students and the construction work started in 2017.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and 17 Ambassadors from participating countries attended the event. Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha also made their presence at the event.
PM Modi was briefed on the ancient university in the midst his visit to the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara, in Nalanda district,
Afore unveiling the new campus, PM also planted a sapling of Bodhi tree in the campus brought from Bodh Gaya. Nalanda University Chancellor Arvind Panagariya and Interim Vice-Chancellor Abhay Kumar Singh were also present on the occasion.
PM Modi further asserted that Nalanda will once again emerge as a major centre for cultural exchange.
Amid his address, the PM said, that the renaissance of Nalanda University near its ancient ruins will introduce India’s potential to the world. Nalanda is just not a merel renaissance of India’s past, the heritage of many countries and Asia is linked to it. It’s for sure that Nalanda University will once again turn.out to be a major centre for our cultural exchange.
Altgough the decision to set up the University was taken in 2010, the real impetus to this institution sprung up in 2014 under the leadership of PM Modi, when a major push was given to establis the University as an international centre of learning and scholarship, reminding the world of 21st century the eminence of the ancient Nalanda University.
The ancient Nalanda University saw its light in the 5th century and attracted students from all over the world. The ancient University flourished for 800 years before it was burnt down by invaders in the 12th century.
PM Modi also said that that India has lived as a model of sustainability for centuries and in the coming days India should become a centre of education and knowledge for the world. “India should once again be recognised as the most prominent knowledge centre in the world.
On visions for India, Mr. Modi expressed that his effort is that India should have the world’s most comprehensive skill system and it should have the world’s most advanced research-oriented higher education system.
He also urged to be curious, courageous but above all be kind. He feel confident that our youth will provide leadership to the entire world in the times to come. He also unveiled confident that Nalanda will become an important centre for global causes,” he told students.
He also stressed that the Central government is always ready to give all possible help to Nalanda University.
This international university, apart from India, has participation from 17 other nations — Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries have signed MoUs in support of the University.
It offers 137 scholarships to international students. These include scholarships sponsored/funded by ASEAN-India Fund, BIMSTEC scholarships and Bhutan Scholarship by MEA. It offers Post Graduate and Doctoral research courses and short-term certificate courses.
News Edit K.V.Raman
