Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on Wednesday, marking a significant step in reviving the ancient institution’s legacy. The event was attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Governor Rajendra V Arlekar, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
During his address, Nitish Kumar welcomed Prime Minister Modi and expressed his happiness at the inauguration. He stated, “I welcome Prime Minister Modi, I congratulate and thank him. When I got to know that you are coming here, I was very happy…”
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of Nalanda University as a symbol of India’s educational heritage. He stated, “Nalanda is not just a name, it is an identity and respect. Nalanda is a value and mantra…fire can burn books but it can’t destroy knowledge.”
He further highlighted the university’s global outreach and commitment to promoting education beyond borders. “During ancient times, admission to Nalanda University was not based on the nationality of the student. People from different walks of life used to come here in pursuit of education,” he said, emphasizing the institution’s inclusivity.
Modi also expressed his vision for making India a global center of education and knowledge. “My mission is to make India, the centre of education and knowledge to the world. My mission is to again make India’s identity emerge as the world’s most prominent knowledge centre,” he asserted.
He lauded the university’s efforts in establishing the ASEAN-India University network and its commitment to sustainability. “Nalanda is the first-ever campus in India which will work on the model of – Net Zero energy, Net Zero emissions, Net Zero waste – Working on the idea of ‘Be your own light’, this campus will guide the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the university’s role in cultural exchange and preservation of heritage. “Nalanda University will soon become an important centre for our cultural exchange programmes. Documentation of various artworks from India and Southeast Asia is being undertaken here.. Common Archival Resources Centre is also being established here,” he added.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by the unveiling of a plaque by Prime Minister Modi and the planting of a sapling at the new campus. The event signified the revival of Nalanda University as a beacon of knowledge and its potential to shape the future of education in India and beyond.
