'Fire Can Burn Books, But Can't Destroy Knowledge': PM After Nalanda University's Historic Revival

Rajgir: After inaugurating new campus of Nalanda University on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that 'fire can burn books but can't destroy knowledge,' underlining how invers destroyed ancient Nalanda University in 1100s. 

dressing inaugural event at Bihar's Rajgir, PM Modi said, "It's a matter of great pleasure that I got to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for 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 can't destroy knowledge."

“This new campus will give world an example of India's potential. Nalanda will tell that nations which are based on strong human values know how to revive past and lay foundation for a better future.”

He ded that inauguration of Nalanda University is not just about revival of Indian history but also linked with legacy of many Asian countries. “ rebuilding of Nalanda is going to start golden era of India...Nalanda's reawakening, this new campus, will give world an introduction to India's capability.” 

PM Modi was accompanied by Bihar Governor Rajendra V Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during occasion. Before inaugurating new campus, he visited ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’, a UNESCO world heritage site located close to varsity.

Nalanda University's Rich History 

newly inaugurated campus is near ancient ruins of Nalanda, a university established by Nalanda University Act of 2010. Act implemented a decision to establish university me at second East Asia Summit held in Philippines in 2007. 

ancient Nalanda University, which existed since fifth century, attracted students worldwide. It flourished for 800 years before being destroyed by invers in 12th century.

history texts prove that institution was set afire by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turko-Afghan military general. campus blaze reportedly raged for three months, reducing to ashes what was arguably richest repository of Buddhist wisdom.