Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, June 19, inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University, located near the ruins of the ancient university in Rajgir, Bihar. The upcoming visit has historical significance as the campus is named after an ancient university that was known for attracting scholars from around the world. the world approximately 1600 years ago.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as well as ambassadors from 17 partner countries on this momentous occasion. Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Abhay Kumar Singh expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and said, “We consider the Prime Minister’s visit a very prestigious and auspicious occasion.”
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to visit the ancient Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, after which he inaugurated the new campus and delivered a speech. The event is set to strengthen the global importance of the university, where students from 26 countries are currently studying.
About New Nalanda University Campus
Seamlessly integrating traditional and modern architectural elements, Nalanda University’s new campus is spread across 455 acres and includes a Net Zero area along with 100 acres of water bodies. The drive to establish this new university gained momentum in 2007 on the proposal of the then president APJ Abdul Kalam, The Hind reported.
With the provision of 455 acres by the government and a special Act of Parliament in 2010, the university was formally established as a national institution.
The university officially started operations in 2014 from a temporary location and boasts only 14 students. Subsequently, in 2017, the construction of a permanent campus in Pilkhi village was started.
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The new Nalanda University is equipped with two academic buildings, 40 classrooms, two 300-seat auditoriums, a hostel for around 550 students, a 2,000-seat amphitheater, a sports complex and an international center.
It offers a wide range of academic programs including postgraduate and doctoral research courses, short-term certificate courses and provides 137 scholarships for international students, the Indian Express reported.
As a result of this highly anticipated Prime Minister’s visit, the University is set to receive a significant boost in global recognition.
