Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, June 19, 2024: After 821 years, Nalanda University—once the world’s greatest centre of learning—is set to enter a new era. PM Modi will visit the university on Wednesday to inaugurate its newly built campus near the ruins of ancient Nalanda.
The new campus, built at a cost of Rs 1,749 crore, has 24 major buildings. Nalanda University Vice-Chancellor Abhay Kumar Singh said that the construction followed environment-friendly methods: soil excavated from a large pond inside the campus was used to make compressed chemical-treated bricks. No borewells were drilled; instead, rainwater was harvested and stored in the pond to support the construction.
“The world’s largest library has also been built here, which will preserve more than three lakh books and manuscripts. Students from several countries are already studying here,” he said.
The foundation stone of the modern Nalanda University was laid in 2016. Following a special initiative by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, 455 acres of land in Rajgir were acquired and transferred to the university administration.
PM Modi’s programme in Nalanda:
The PM Modi will arrive in Gaya by a special flight at around 10 am and then proceed to Rajgir by Army helicopter. He will first visit the ancient Nalanda ruins by road and then attend the inauguration at the new campus. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will accompany him.
Security arrangement in Nalanda:
Security has been intensified for the visit. Barricading has been put in place along the Rajgir-Nalanda route. Over 5,000 security personnel and 1,200 duty magistrates are on deployment. Hotels are being checked, and the Nalanda ruins, as well as the new campus, have been placed under SPG protection.
Before the inauguration, PM Modi will plant a Mahabodhi sapling on the campus.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi begins a two-day meditation at Vivekanand Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.
EOM.