Ancient seat of learning – Nalanda University – reopens after 800 years

-          Seven schools planned to cater to students across the world

Nalanda is not just a university…it is a tradition, which we all have to take forward. Nalanda University is a link between the past, present and future. After almost 821 years, this ancient seat of learning, which was reduced to ruins by foreign invaders, is now open from September 1, 2014.

The university was formally inaugurated by Sushma Swaraj, external affairs minister, who opined that this move will put Bihar on the international map. The chief minister of Bihar Jitan Ram Manjhi, was also present at the occasion and planted a 'banyan' sapling on the campus site. The inaugural ceremony was also graced by the high commissioner of Singapore Lim Thuan Kuan and Thailand's ambassador Chalit Manityakul. 

 

A total of seven schools have been planned at Nalanda University. Initially, two schools- the School of Ecology and Environmental Studies and the School of Historical Studies - with 11 faculty members and 15 students, will commence its operations. These would be housed in the 455-acre proposed Nalanda University campus, just 12km from the ancient site, with a capacity to house around 7,000 people.