PM Modi Inaugurates the Ancient Buddhist University, Nalanda’s New Campus

On June 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda International University, located near the ancient Nalanda ruins in Rajgir, Bihar. In asserting that Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange, Mr Modi stated, "Nalanda is the proclamation of this truth that books may burn in the flames of fire, but the flames of fire cannot destroy knowledge. Nalanda is a source of pride, respect, and identity."

Mr Modi said his joy at seeing ambassadors from so many nations at the inauguration was palpable. The new Nalanda University campus is prime among the indicators that Bihar is progressing, he added.

Nalanda University was founded by the Indian Parliament in 2010 through the Nalanda University Act. Decisions made at the second East Asia Summit (EAS) (Philippines, 2007) and the fourth East Asia Summit (Thailand, 2009) regarding the creation of the university as an "international institution for the pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies" was implemented by the means provided by the Act. It opened its doors in 2014 with 14 students in a temporary space, and the construction began in 2017.

Inauguration of Nalanda University

In attendance were seventeen representatives from the participating nations, as well as S. Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs. Attendees included Bihar's Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, as well as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary, and Vijay Sinha. Prime Minister Modi also visited Nalanda's ancient ruins and planted a Bodhi tree sapling, brought in from Bodh Gaya, on campus before the inauguration. This event was also graced by the Nalanda University chancellor, Arvind Panagariya, and interim vice-chancellor, Abhay Kumar Singh.

In his address, Mr Modi stated, "The world will soon be introduced to India's potential by the renaissance of Nalanda University in the vicinity of its ancient ruins. Nalanda is not merely a revival of India's past; it is also interconnected with the heritage of numerous countries and regions in Asia. Nalanda University will reestablish itself as a significant hub for cultural exchange in the near future."

Though the decision to establish the university was made in 2010, it was under Mr Modi's leadership in 2014 that the real push was made to establish the university as an international centre of learning and scholarship, to remind the world of the eminence of the ancient Nalanda University in the 21st century.

Our Prime Minister inaugurating Nalanda University takes us back to the pages of Nalanda University History, isn’t it? Are you ready to go back into the memoirs of the ancient Nalanda University with Bizz Buzz?

Where is Nalanda University?

Magadha (now Bihar), in eastern India, was home to the revered Buddhist monastery Nalanda during the ancient and medieval periods. Many scholars rank Nalanda among the most illustrious of the ancient learning centres. It was situated approximately 90 km southeast of Pataliputra (now Patna) and close to Rajagriha (now Rajgir). From its foundation in 427 CE until its dissolution in the 13th century CE, Nalanda was an important institution in what is now known as the "Golden Age of India" (the 5th and 6th centuries CE) for the support and promotion of the arts and academia.

Nalanda Mahavihara was founded during the Gupta Empire era (c. 3rd–6th century CE) and was supported by several Indian and Javanese patrons, including both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. Nalanda's prosperity was sustained by the Pala Empire's monarchs (r. 750–1161 CE). The Pithipatis of Bodh Gaya patronised the monks of Nalanda following the Palas' defeat. Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji (c. 1200) attacked and damaged Nalanda; however, it was able to continue operating for decades, and possibly centuries, after the assaults.

Turkish-Afghan conquest in 200 CE resulted in destruction

The discovery of a thick layer of ashes on the uppermost strata of numerous structures, separated by a significant distance, during archaeological excavations at the site in 1920-1921 indicates that Nalanda was the site of a catastrophic fire.

The memory of "Nalanda" was the most revered in Tibet following the Islamic conquest, the devastation, and the demise of Nalanda, other monasteries, and Buddhist culture from the plains of Bihar and Bengal.

Nalanda was largely forgotten after its decline until Francis Buchanan-Hamilton surveyed the site in 1811–1812, after locals in the vicinity identified some Buddhist and Brahmanical images and ruins in the area. In the aftermath of independence, the second phase of excavation and restoration occurred from 1974 to 1982. The government of Bihar established the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara in 1951, a contemporary centre for Pali and Buddhism that embodies the spirit of the ancient institution. This institution was established in close proximity to the ruins of Nalanda at the recommendation of Rajendra Prasad, India's first president. In 2006, it was deemed to be a university. The inaugural academic year of the modern Nalanda University commenced on September 1, 2014, with a total of 15 students.

Today, Nalanda is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2010, the Government of India enacted a resolution to renew the renowned university as a modern institution: Nalanda University. It is classified as an "Institute of National Importance" by the Government of India.

It is indeed a moment of pride that the University is being inaugurated as a full-fledged knowledge centre, the epitome of the struggle of many ancient monks and scholars.

When discussing his vision for India, Mr Modi stated that his objective is for India to possess the most comprehensive skill system and the most advanced research-oriented higher education system in the world. "Be curious, be courageous, but most importantly, be kind. I am certain that the future will see our students assume a leadership role in the global community. I am certain that Nalanda will emerge as a significant hub for global causes," Mr Modi quoted, inspiring the students at Nalanda University.

He also emphasised that the central government is prepared to provide Nalanda University with any assistance it may require. This international university has participation from 17 other countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries have signed memoranda of understanding in order to provide their backing to the University.

It provides international students with 137 scholarships- sponsored/funded by the ASEAN-India Fund, BIMSTEC scholarships, and Bhutan Scholarships by the MEA, among others. In addition to short-term certificate courses, the university offers Postgraduate and Doctoral research courses.