The Punjab Pulse News Bureau
Main Building of Nalanda University Campus
Situated besides the Rajgir hills, the rejuvenated Nalanda University calls-out “Learning is being here.” The experience of being in this intellectual landscape is empowering with its seamless co-existence between nature and man, and between living and learning. The region vibrates with the positivity endowed by spiritual divines like Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira who meditated in this region and with the scholarly traditions developed by great masters such as Nagarjuna, Aryabhatta, Dharmakirti who discoursed at the ancient Nalanda. Ancient Magadha was characterized by an intellectual ferment rarely known to humanity. The opportunity to comprehend multiple discourses and embrace knowledge in its entirety is what made Nalanda academics unique and attractive for all seekers.
The first residential university of the world founded at Nalanda by the magnanimity of Emperor Kumaragupta in 427CE and sustained by the conscientiousness of the learned monks and teachers, flourished for over 800 years till the end in 12th century CE.
It is believed to possess 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students. Nalanda had attracted scholars to its campus from places as distant as China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia. Those scholars have left records about the ambience, architecture, and learning at Nalanda, as well as, about the profound knowledge of Nalanda teachers. The most detailed accounts have come from Chinese scholars and the best known of these is Xuan Zang, who carried back many hundred scriptures which were later translated into Chinese.
In March 2006, while addressing a joint session of Bihar State Legislative Assembly, the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam proposed the revival of the ancient Nalanda. Concurring ideas came simultaneously seeking the re-establishment of ancient Nalanda: from the Singapore government; the leaders of sixteen member states of the East Asia Summit (EAS) in January 2007 in the Philippines; and in the fourth EA Summit, in October 2009 in Thailand.
Inauguration of the New Campus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi -19 June 2024
The Parliament of India passed the Nalanda University Act, 2010 and in September 2014, the first batch of students were enrolled. The State Government of Bihar under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar was quick to allocate 455 acres of land for the University campus at a significant location. Thus, marked the establishment of Nalanda University and the infrastructural constructions were done in the new campus during 2017 to 2023.
The celebrated architect Padam-Vibhushan [late] Ar. B.V. Doshi designed the eco-friendly architecture reflecting the Vaastu of the ancient Nalanda, while integrating all modern amenities that match world standards. It is a large carbon footprint-free Net-zero campus, sprawling over acres of greens and 100 acres of water-bodies, truly an abode for learning.
The participating member countries of East Asia Summit that signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement in support of establishment of Nalanda University are Australia, Bhutan, Bangladesh., Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Schools at Nalanda University emphasise on promoting learning in different institutional environments to develop a nuanced understanding of real world problems.
Visit to the Campus by Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Ji
The University presently offers programmes in the School of Historical Studies, the School of Ecology and Environment Studies, the School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions, the School of Languages and Literature/Humanities, and the School of Management Studies. The programmes offered include Global PhD programme, Masters in Historical Studies (MA), Masters in Ecology and Environment Studies (MSc), Masters in Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions (MA), Masters in Hindu Studies (MA), Masters in World Literature (MA), Masters in Sustainable Development and Management (MBA), and various short-term diploma and certificate programmes in Pali, Sanskrit, English, Korean, and Yoga. The University enrolled its first batch of students in Fall semester, 2014.
All programmes emphasise collaborative research with students and faculty from affiliated universities and institutions, study abroad experience, and foreign language training. Students are expected to pursue interdisciplinary research, choose courses relevant to their research interests in other disciplines/Schools to enhance their research skills.
Admissions Helpline: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm IST 06112-255330 +91 7033291552, 011-23358131, 011-23358132. Short Term Programmes, 9031027489; E-Mail – admissions-stp@nalandauniv.edu.in
Campus Address: Nalanda University, Rajgir, District Nalanda, Bihar – 803116, India. Rajgir has a railhead but the nearest major stations are Patna (110 kms) and Gaya (78 kms). . E-Mail – vcoffice@nalandauniv.edu.in.
Delhi Office: Nalanda University, Flat No – 201 and 208, Ashoka Estates, 24 Barakhamba Road, New Delhi – 110001, India, 011- 23358131 & 23358132 Fax: 011-23358142
Nalanda is at once futuristic, for the ideals and standards of the ancient seat of learning have proven to be universal in their relevance as the feasible solutions to a shared and sustainable future for all, not just Asia. No wonder, the initiative for the revival of Nalanda University has been unanimously and enthusiastically welcomed the world over.
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