Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, June 19, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University at Rajgir, near the archaeological remains of the ancient seat of learning.
Addressing students, faculty and international invitees, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was significant that within 10 days of taking oath for his third term, he was able to visit Nalanda. “I consider this not just my good fortune but an auspicious sign for India’s development journey,” he said.
Narendra Modi said the ancient university represented India’s educational ethos:
“Nalanda is an identity, an honour, a value, a mantra, a pride and a saga.
Nalanda is proof that books may be burnt in flames, but knowledge cannot be destroyed,” Modi said, adding that the ancient university represented India’s educational ethos—inclusive, liberal and global in character. “In ancient Nalanda, students were not admitted on the basis of identity or nationality. Young people from every class and every country studied here. In this new system in a modern form,” he said, noting that students from multiple countries were already enrolled.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, present on the occasion, said he was happy that Nalanda University had become “fully functional.” “Around 400 students from 17 countries are studying here today. All the buildings of the university have expanded, and the campus has become very beautiful,” he said, thanking the Prime Minister for inaugurating the new campus.
Rajgir was the first capital of Magadh:
Kumar said Rajgir was the first capital of Magadh—earlier known as Rajgriha—before the shift to Patliputra. Rajgir, he added, was a confluence of five religions.
The foundation stone of the present campus was laid in 2016. According to officials, 455 acres of land were acquired in Rajgir and handed over to the university administration. The new campus comprises 24 major buildings constructed at a cost of Rs 1,749 crore.
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EOM.