Nalanda University Inauguration:
Today (June 19), Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from 17 countries. Following its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, construction of the university began in 2017. Let's delve deep into the enriching history of this institution and what the new campus has to offer.
A Rich History That Dates Back 1600 Years
The university boasts a storied past that began around 1600 years ago in the 5th century. Nalanda University was once a magnet for scholars worldwide. According to experts, the university was destroyed by invaders in the 12th century, but prior to that, it had provided education for nearly 800 years. Its foundation was laid by Kumar Gupta I of the Gupta dynasty. In its heyday, about 10,000 students studied there, taught by 1,500 teachers. The majority of the students were Buddhist monks from Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. Historians note the Chinese monk Xuanzang (Huen Tsang) also studied at Nalanda in the 7th century, and mentioned the university's grandeur in his writings. This centre was one of two pivotal Buddhist learning centres and stands as a testament to ancient India's contribution to the dissemination of knowledge and wisdom.
Source: aajtak
Location of the New Campus
The new premises are established close to the site of the ancient ruins of Nalanda. Its foundation was through the Nalanda University Act of 2010, following a decision made during the second East Asia Summit held in the Philippines in 2007.
137 Scholarships for International Students
Beyond India, 17 countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam have signed memoranda of understanding in support of the university. There's a keen interest from international students for the upcoming PhD courses, and the university has offered 137 scholarships specifically for international scholars. Schools have been established within the university for diverse disciplines, including Buddhist studies, philosophy, comparative religions, history, environmental and ecological studies, as well as management.
The Noteworthy New Campus of Nalanda University
There are two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, accommodating a total of 1,900 students. Additionally, there are two auditoriums with 300 seats each, an international center, and an amphitheater that can house 2,000 people. The campus is also equipped with a faculty club and a sports complex among other facilities.
The Nalanda University campus is proud to be a 'NET ZERO' campus, focusing on environmentally-friendly activities and education. A water recycling plant has been installed, and with 100 acres of water bodies, the campus is designed to be eco-friendly.
