Image Source: thehindu.com
The new campus of Nalanda University, located near the historic site of Rajgir, was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This contemporary educational institution takes inspiration from the ancient Nalanda University, which thrived over 1,600 years ago in the kingdom of Magadha, now known as Bihar. Originally established in the 5th century CE, Nalanda University was the world’s first residential university and gained renown for its academic excellence in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and Buddhism. It was supported by the Pala dynasty and attracted notable scholars like Aryabhata. The university had rigorous admission procedures and housed a vast library called ‘Dharma Gunj’. Unfortunately, it met its demise in the 1190s at the hands of Bakhtiyar Khilji’s army.
Rediscovered in 1812, the idea of reviving Nalanda as an international center for education was proposed by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006. The new university commenced operations in 2014 and was officially inaugurated by PM Modi. The campus seamlessly blends modern architecture with traditional designs across a sprawling 455-acre area, incorporating environmentally sustainable elements, including a Net Zero zone.
Today, this revitalized institution offers a wide range of postgraduate and doctoral research programs, as well as scholarships for international students. Its aim is to reclaim its legacy as a global hub for learning and cultural exchange.