Introduction
Nalanda University, named after the ancient seat of learning, is on a mission to restore India's status as a global knowledge center.
The university's new state-of-the-art Net Zero campus marks a significant step towards achieving the glory that once attracted scholars from around the world 1600 years ago.
Inauguration of the New Campus
PM Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar, expressing happiness that the university's approximately 500 regular students hail from 20 countries. "Nationality was not a criterion for admission in the ancient Nalanda and the new Nalanda will also develop on similar lines," he said during the inauguration, joined by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar.
Campus Development
Although the university shifted to its under-construction campus in 2020, the completion of the extensive infrastructure was a monumental task.
Originally, the inauguration by the PM was planned for 2022, but delays pushed the event to coincide with the start of Modi's third term.
Infrastructure Highlights:
The campus is 90% complete with 24 large buildings.
Features include a modern library and a 2000-capacity auditorium.
The design blends the essence of ancient Nalanda with modern facilities.
Historical Significance and Modern Vision
On September 1, 2014, Nalanda University began its academic session at the International Convention Centre in Rajgir, near the ancient Nalanda ruins, now a UN heritage site.
The first phase of campus construction included academic and administration buildings, residential facilities, amenities buildings, a campus inn, and an international center.
Green and Sustainable Design
The campus emphasizes sustainability with features like:
Water bodies and lakes for rainwater collection and distribution.
Internal roads, walkways, and landscaping.
Green building certification by GRIHA and Net Zero energy, water, and waste management strategies.
Innovative technologies like desiccant evaporative (DEVAP) cooling
The campus has water bodies spread across 100 acres in the 455-acre area.
Note: Desiccant cooling is an open cycle which uses a desiccant wheel and thermal wheel to achieve both cooling and dehumidification. Solar thermal energy or waste heat can be used to re-activate the desiccant.
Origin and Journey of Nalanda University
The vision for Nalanda University was sparked in 2006 by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who envisioned reviving the glory of ancient Nalanda.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar thanked PM Modi for accelerating the project, recognizing its journey from conceptualization to realization.
Academic Programs and International Collaboration
Nalanda University currently runs six schools:
Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions
Historical Studies
Ecology and Environmental Studies
Sustainable Development and Management
The university offers 137 scholarships for international students and has enrolled students from countries like Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Myanmar, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, the USA, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
International Collaborations
Nalanda University collaborates with 17 nations, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. The university aims to expand its international partnerships further.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The biggest challenge for Nalanda University is to live up to the expectations set by its historical predecessor, which had 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers from across the globe and was the world's first residential university.
The ancient Nalanda was destroyed by Bakhtiar Khilji in the 12th century, around the same time as the emergence of Oxford.
The new Nalanda aims to re-establish India as the global knowledge center it once was, contributing to the nation's quest to become a powerful intellectual force.
Conclusion
Nalanda University stands as a symbol of India's rich educational heritage and its future aspirations. With its modern campus, international student body, and commitment to sustainability, Nalanda University is poised to become a beacon of knowledge and learning, honoring its ancient legacy while embracing the demands of the contemporary world.
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