NEW DELHI: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
on Wednesday inaugurated the new
campus
of
Nalanda University
in Rajgir, Bihar. The new campus of the university will be set up close to ancient ruins of the university.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a plaque at the new campus of Nalanda University and planted a sapling as he inaugurated the campus.
He also watched the ruins of ancient Nalanda University before inaugurating the new campus.
The archaeological site of Nalanda contains the remnants of a renowned monastic and educational center. The complex features various structures, including stupas, shrines, and viharas, which served as residential and educational facilities. Additionally, the site showcases significant works of art created using stucco, stone, and metal.
Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century, was a magnet for scholars from across the globe. The historic institution thrived for eight centuries until it was ravaged by invaders in the 12th century. The site was declared a
UN Heritage Site
in 2016.
Built at a cost of Rs 1,749 crore, the new campus will get two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, with a total seating capacity of around 1900 students. The new campus features two auditoriums, each with a capacity of 300 seats, and a student hostel that can accommodate approximately 550 students. Additionally, the campus offers various other facilities, such as an international center, an amphitheatre with a capacity of up to 2000 individuals, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
The reestablished university commenced operations in 2014 from a temporary site with a modest cohort of 14 students. The construction of the new campus began in 2017.
The inauguration ceremony will be attended by several distinguished individuals, including external affairs minister S Jaishankar and the heads of missions from 17 countries.
The campus is designed as a 'Net Zero' Green Campus, making it self-sustaining with the help of solar plants, domestic and drinking water treatment plants, a water recycling plant for reusing wastewater, 100 acres of water bodies, and numerous other environment-friendly facilities.
Nalanda University is envisioned as a collaborative effort between India and the East Asia Summit (EAS) countries.
English (US) ·