On June 19, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University, located in Bihar, near the ancient ruins of the Buddhist center of learning. The establishment of Nalanda University in 2010, following decisions made at the East Asia Summit in 2007 and 2009, marked a significant initiative for intellectual, philosophical, historical, and spiritual studies.
Under the Bharatiya Janata Party government in 2014, the university began its operations with 14 students from a makeshift location. Construction of the campus commenced in 2017, with a focus on creating an institution that would pay homage to the eminence of the original Nalanda University, which flourished in the 5th century.
The inauguration on June 19 is expected to be attended by dignitaries such as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and ambassadors of 17 participating countries, including members of Asean. The university currently offers 137 scholarships to international students, with postgraduate and doctoral research courses available.
Over the past few years, the postgraduate programs at Nalanda University have seen an increase in student enrollment, with a significant number of international students from various countries participating in these courses. The new campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including academic blocks, administrative buildings, auditoriums, hostels, and residential housing units.
Moreover, the campus is designed to be eco-friendly, with a focus on sustainability, featuring a solar plant, water treatment facilities, and a waste-to-energy plant. The campus also includes amenities such as a library, sports complex, medical center, dining hall, and academic resources.
With a diverse curriculum that includes various schools and centers focusing on different fields of study, Nalanda University aims to continue its legacy of providing quality education and fostering intellectual growth. The inauguration of the new campus marks a significant milestone in the journey of this renowned institution.