Nalanda University Campus: A Testament to Centuries of Learning Finally Revived

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated the new Nalanda University campus on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The newly renovated campus is situated near the ancient ruins of the historic Nalanda University, the Buddhist Center of Learning until 13th century. This move is part of a plan that began about two decades ago.

Established by the Indian Parliament in 2010 with the Nalanda University Act, this university is located near the historic remains of Nalanda. The Act originated from decisions taken in 2007 and 2009 at the Second and Fourth East Asia Summits. These proposals called for the establishment of a "international center for the study of spiritual, philosophical, historical, and intellectual inquiry."

International Guests Attending Ceremony

ASEAN members and ambassadors from 17 participating countries attended the inauguration on Wednesday, along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) in support of the University have been signed by the following 17 nations:

When did the Construction Begin?

In 2014, the university had a significant boost from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party administration when it began operations with 14 students in a temporary space. Intending to build a university that would honor the legacy of the esteemed Nalanda University, the central government started construction on the building in 2017. 

The original Nalanda University was founded in the 5th century. It became a knowledge hub for the students coming from all over the world. The ancient university thrived for eight centuries until it was destroyed by intruders in the twelfth century.

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Current Status Of Nalanda University

Currently, Nalanda University grants 137 scholarships to international students, including those financed by the Bhutan Scholarship of the External Affairs Ministry, the Asean-India Fund, and Bimstec scholarships. The university offers short-term certificate programs in addition to postgraduate and doctorate research courses.

The previous three academic years boasted a strength of 220 students (51 Indian and 169 foreign) in 2021–2022; 228 students (55 Indian and 173 international) in 2022–2023; and 322 students (69 Indian and 253 international) in 2023–2024.

Academic Curriculum of Nalanda University

The University consists of 6 schools:

• The School of philosophy and comparative religions
• The School of Buddhist Studies
• The School of Historical Studies
• The School of Ecology and Environmental Studies
• The School of Languages and Literature
• The School of International Relations and Peace Studies (Yet to Commence)

Additionally, it also features four centers of study: a Common Archival Resource Center, a Center for Indo-Persian Studies, a Center for Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, and a Center for Bay of Bengal Studies.

Infrastructure of New Nalanda University

The construction of the new Nalanda University is still underway. The University currently has the following facilities:

Along with these basic facilities, the new campus boasts a guesthouse, an international center, a 1,000-seat dining hall, a 2,000-seat amphitheater, and a sports complex, medical center, commercial center, and faculty club.

A library capable of accommodating 300,000 books and 3,000 users is set to be completed by September.

Nalanda University Campus

Nalanda University is a "net zero" green campus with 100 acres of water bodies. The campus features a 6.5-MW DC on-grid solar plant, a 500-KLD drinking and residential water treatment plant, and a 400-KLD water recycling plant for reusing wastewater. The final stage of construction is underway for a 1.2-MW AC biogas-based waste-to-energy plant.

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