Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near Rajgir, Bihar, today. To commemorate the occasion, he planted a sapling of the Bodhi tree, a symbol of Buddhist heritage and Indian spirituality, at the campus. The event was attended by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, and University Chancellor Prof. Aravind Panagariya, among other dignitaries.

**Reviving Ancient Glory**

The modern Nalanda University, located near the ancient Nalanda ruins, was established through an Act of Parliament. The university aims to revive the historic legacy of Nalanda as a global center for intellectual, philosophical, historical, and spiritual studies. The establishment of Nalanda University was a decision from the 2nd East Asia Summit in the Philippines in 2007, further reinforced at the 4th East Asia Summit in Thailand in 2009. Although the Nalanda University Act was passed in 2010, significant progress on the project began under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in 2017. The university also plays a crucial role in India's 'Act East' policy.


**International Collaboration**

Seventeen countries are participating in this ambitious project alongside India. These countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ambassadors from these nations attended the inaugural ceremony, highlighting the international significance of the university.

**State-of-the-Art Campus**

The 455-acre campus of Nalanda University draws inspiration from the original monasteries and buildings of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. It is designed as a ‘Net Zero Green Campus,’ featuring over 100 acres of water bodies (Kamal Sagar ponds), an on-grid solar plant, water treatment facilities, a water recycling plant, and extensive green cover. The campus also includes a 250-capacity Yoga Center, a modern auditorium, a comprehensive library, an archival center, and a fully equipped sports complex.

**Focus on Higher Education and Research**

Nalanda University emphasizes advanced education and research, offering postgraduate and doctoral programs in Buddhist studies, philosophy and comparative religions, languages and literature, ecology and environmental studies, sustainable development, and international relations and peace studies. Currently, students from over 20 countries, including India, are enrolled in various programs, contributing to a diverse and vibrant academic community.