NI Bureau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, underscoring that Nalanda is far more than just a name—it stands as a symbol of identity and respect. He highlighted that while flames can consume books, they cannot destroy the essence of knowledge.
PM Modi expressed his pleasure at visiting Nalanda so soon after his third swearing-in as Prime Minister. PM said, “Nalanda is not only a name; it embodies huge identity and respect. It represents values and principles that are indestructible by fire.”
He noted that the revival of Nalanda signals the dawn of a new golden era for India. “The reawakening of Nalanda and new campus will present capabilities of India to the world,” he stated further.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi toured the ruins of the ancient Nalanda Mahaviharam, marking his first visit to the state following the Lok Sabha elections. The original Nalanda University, established around 1600 years ago, is celebrated as one of the earliest residential universities globally.
The new campus is meticulously designed to echo the historic Nalanda University. On social media platform X, PM Modi shared, “Today is a landmark day for our education sector. At10:30 AM, the new Nalanda University campus inaugurated in Rajgir. Nalanda holds a profound connection to our illustrious past. This university will undoubtedly play a crucial role in addressing the educational aspirations of our youth.”
Emphasizing Nalanda’s “strong connection with our glorious past,” PM Modi stated that the university will significantly contribute to fulfilling the educational needs of the younger generation.
The campus boasts two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, collectively seating around 1900 students. It features two auditoriums, each with a capacity of 300 seats, a student hostel accommodating around 550 students, and an array of other facilities including an international center, an amphitheater for up to 2000 people, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
Engineered as a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus, it is self-sustaining with solar power plants, domestic and drinking water treatment facilities, a water recycling plant, 100 acres of water bodies, and numerous other environmentally friendly features.
The university is envisioned as a collaborative initiative between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, deeply intertwined with historical significance.
