‘Nalanda University a symbol of India’s educational heritage’, says PM Modi: Top quotes
The Prime Minister inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University, an international university, near the site of the ancient ruins of Nalanda in Rajgir, Bihar, on June 19.
Describing Nalanda as a symbol of India’s educational heritage and vibrant cultural exchange, Mr Modi said, “Nalanda is a proclamation of the truth that books may burn in flames, but flames cannot destroy knowledge. Nalanda is an identity, honour and pride.”
He expressed his happiness at the presence of representatives from several countries on the day of inauguration. He made the point that Bihar’s new Nalanda University campus further evidences the state’s progress.
By means of the Nalanda University Act, 2010, the Indian Parliament founded Nalanda University. The Act formed the basis for implementing the decisions taken at the Second East Asia Summit (EAS) (Philippines, 2007) to establish the university as an “international institution for intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies” and the decisions taken at the Fourth East Asia Summit (Thailand, 2009).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and 17 ambassadors of the participating countries attended the event. Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha were present at the event.
Before inaugurating the new campus, the PM also visited the ancient ruins of Nalanda and planted a sapling of the Bodhi tree brought from Bodh Gaya at the campus. Present at the event were Interim Vice Chancellor Abhay Kumar Singh and Chancellor Arvind Panagariya of Nalanda University.
Nalanda will once again become a major centre of our cultural exchange: PM Modi
“The renaissance of Nalanda University near the ancient ruins will introduce the world to India’s potential,” stated Shri Modi in his speech. Nalanda represents not only the rebirth of India’s past but also the shared heritage of Asia and many other nations. In the days ahead, Nalanda University will once more grow into a significant hub for our cross-cultural exchange.”
Though the decision to establish the university was taken in 2010, the real boost to the institution came under the leadership of Shri Modi in 2014, when a major step was taken to establish the university as an international centre of learning and scholarship, reminding the 21st century world of the greatness of ancient Nalanda University.
