Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a significant visit to Bihar on Wednesday, June 19, where he inaugurated the new Nalanda University campus adjacent to the historic ruins of the ancient university in Rajgir. This campus, named after the renowned ancient university that drew scholars from across the globe around 1,600 years ago, is poised to become a symbol of academic excellence and cultural heritage.The event will witness the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and ambassadors from 17 partner countries, adding a diplomatic flair to the occasion. Professor Abhay Kumar Singh, the interim vice-chancellor of Nalanda University, expressed his enthusiasm, labelling the visit of the Prime Minister as historic and emphasising the prestige associated with it. He remarked, We consider the visit of the Prime Minister a very prestigious and auspicious occasion. The Prime Minister has made the occasion special because he is bringing the diplomats of East Asia Summit countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also coming. This celebratory spirit will give Nalanda a boost.Inauguration Schedule and ImpactDuring his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to tour the ancient Nalanda site, which gained recognition as a UN heritage site in 2016. The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) confirmed that he would also deliver a speech, highlighting the significance of the new chapter in Nalandas legacy. Professor Abhay Kumar Singh expressed confidence that Modis visit would enhance the global visibility of the university, which currently hosts students from 26 different countries.Key Attendees and Campus FeaturesAccompanying PM Modi will be Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, underscoring the collective commitment to Nalandas success. The new campus, operational since 2020, seamlessly blends traditional and modern architectural elements across its sprawling 455-acre expanse, featuring a Net Zero area encompassing 100 acres of water bodies.Historical Background and EvolutionNalanda Universitys journey began in 2007 with a visionary proposal by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, leading to the Bihar assemblys enactment of a bill for its establishment. Spanning 455 acres, the university received national institution status through a parliamentary act in November 2010. It commenced operations in 2014 from a temporary location, and in 2016, former President Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus in Pilkhi village, marking a significant milestone in its evolution.The university boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including two academic buildings, 40 classrooms, two 300-seat auditoriums, a hostel for 550 students, a 2,000-seat amphitheater, a sports complex, and an international center. With a focus on postgraduate and doctoral research programs, short-term certificate courses, and 137 scholarships for international students, Nalanda University continues to uphold its legacy of academic excellence and global collaboration.
