On the eve of the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bihar’s Nalanda University to inaugurate its new campus, the university’s interim vice-chancellor, Professor Abhay Kumar Singh, described the event as “historic.”
“We view the Prime Minister’s visit as a highly prestigious and propitious occasion,” Mr. Singh remarked. “The Prime Minister has made this event particularly special by bringing diplomats from East Asia Summit countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also be in attendance. This festive atmosphere will undoubtedly elevate Nalanda’s status,” he added.
Mr. Singh expressed his belief that following the Prime Minister’s visit, the university will gain more international recognition. Currently, students from 26 countries are enrolled here.
“The Prime Minister’s visit serves as a significant form of validation and endorsement. Subsequently, our responsibilities will grow. Nalanda University will be viewed with greater seriousness. It will capture the interest of individuals from other nations. People will acknowledge the university as a premier institution,” Mr. Singh stated.
The vice-chancellor commended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for providing unwavering support to the university. Mr. Kumar will also be present during the Prime Minister’s visit.
“The Bihar government has made a substantial contribution. The idea to revitalize Nalanda University was initially proposed by former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam during his address to a joint session of the Bihar legislature in 2006. The State government responded promptly,” Mr. Singh highlighted.
In line with the former President’s recommendation, the Bihar Assembly passed a Bill in 2007 to establish a new university. The government allocated 455 acres of land to the university, which was founded on November 25, 2010, through a special Act of Parliament and was designated as an institution of national importance. Former President Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus in 2016 at Pilkhi village in Rajgir, near the ancient Nalanda varsity ruins.
Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate, served as the inaugural chancellor of the institution, while Gopa Sabharwal held the position of the first vice-chancellor. Currently, Arvind Panagariya occupies the role of chancellor.
