PM Modi to Inaugurate New Campus Of Nalanda University Today; See Pics

Nalanda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar today, marking a significant milestone in the revival of this historic seat of learning. The ceremony, which begins at 10:30 AM, follows Modi's visit to the nearby ancient Nalanda ruins, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.

The new campus is a result of a joint collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. The inauguration will be attended by heads of missions from 17 countries, along with Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Modern Infrastructure with Traditional Flavour

Spanning 455 acres with water bodies covering 100 acres, the campus combines state-of-the-art infrastructure with traditional architectural elements. It is designed as a Net Zero campus, emphasizing sustainable development.

World-Class Facilities

The campus includes two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, two 300-seat auditoriums, student hostels for about 550 students, a 2,000-seat amphitheater, a sports complex, and an international center. It aims to continue Nalanda’s legacy of attracting scholars from around the world, with students and faculty from several countries.

Historical Significance and Modern Revival

Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century AD, was one of the world's first residential universities and attracted scholars from across Asia and beyond. The institution thrived for centuries, becoming a renowned center of learning and intellectual exchange. However, in the late 12th century, it was destroyed when it was set ablaze by Bakhtiyar Khilji’s forces. The university reportedly burned for three months, and an estimated nine million books were destroyed in the inferno, marking a significant loss of knowledge and the decline of this ancient seat of learning.

The re-development of Nalanda University’s new campus accelerated in 2017. The university initially began its academic activities on September 1, 2014, at a temporary location within the International Convention Centre in Rajgir. The late Sushma Swaraj, then Minister of External Affairs, formally inaugurated this temporary venue, highlighting its role in India's “look-east policy.”

A New Chapter in Indian Education

The inauguration of Nalanda University marks a new era in Indian education, celebrating a blend of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. As the world watches, the revived institution is poised to become a global hub of learning and cultural exchange.