By Neeraj Kumar
Patna, June 19: After nearly 800 years, the legendary Nalanda University, once a beacon of global education, has been revived. With the cooperation of 17 countries, the Government of India has built a new campus near Rajgir, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The event saw attendance from Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, ambassadors from the 17 collaborating countries, and numerous other guests. This new campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities for students while preserving traditional elements.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his honor at visiting Nalanda shortly after taking his oath for a third term, calling it the dawn of a golden era. He remarked, “Nalanda was once a vibrant center of India’s tradition and identity. This is India’s philosophy of education. Education shapes us, inspires ideas, and gives them form. In ancient Nalanda, students were admitted not based on identity or nationality, but on merit. Youth from all countries and classes received education here.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of modernizing the ancient system at the new campus, noting the influx of international students. “Nalanda is not just a name,” he said. “It is an identity, an honor, a value, a mantra, a pride, and a saga. Nalanda proclaims that while books may burn, the flames of fire cannot erase knowledge.”
PM Modi thanked all the countries that contributed to the construction of the new campus, highlighting that Nalanda represents not only the renaissance of India but also the heritage of many nations. He congratulated the people of Bihar for their development efforts and for making Nalanda an inspiration.
He stated, “Nalanda had once filled India with enlightenment. Its restoration marks the beginning of India’s golden age. The new campus, built near its ancient ruins, will showcase India’s strength to the world. It demonstrates that nations rooted in strong human values can revive history to build a better future.”
PM Modi explained that Nalanda, once the living center of India’s tradition and identity, is now connected to the heritage of many countries. He noted the unprecedented international presence at the inauguration, which underscores Nalanda’s significance.
