On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. During the inauguration, he unveiled a plaque and planted a sapling at the new campus. Prior to the inauguration, he also visited the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University.
Nalanda University, which was established in the 5th century, attracted scholars from all over the world. Unfortunately, the historic institution was destroyed by invaders in the 12th century. In 2016, the site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The new campus, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,749 crore, consists of two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, accommodating approximately 1900 students. It also includes two auditoriums with a seating capacity of 300 each, a student hostel for around 550 students, and various other facilities such as an international center, an amphitheatre for up to 2000 individuals, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
The university, which was reestablished in 2014, started its operations from a temporary location with a small group of 14 students. The construction of the new campus commenced in 2017.
The inauguration ceremony will be graced by esteemed individuals, such as the external affairs minister S Jaishankar and the heads of missions from 17 countries.
The campus has been designed as a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus, aiming to be self-sustainable through the utilization of solar plants, domestic and drinking water treatment facilities, a water recycling plant for wastewater reuse, 100 acres of water bodies, and various other eco-friendly amenities.
Nalanda University is envisioned as a collaborative endeavor between India and the East Asia Summit (EAS) countries.