PM Modi unveils new Nalanda University campus, says it 'will start golden era of India'

"The rebuilding of Nalanda is going to start the golden era of India...Nalanda's reawakening, this new campus, will give the world an introduction to India's capability..." Modi said. 

The prime minister went on to add that he was happy that he got the opportunity to visit Nalanda within 10 days of swearing in as prime minister for the third time.

India's academic heritage

He spoke of Nalanda being a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange.

"We need to revive the old tradition of Nalanda," he said. 

The educational institute was formed after the Nalanda University Act was passed in 2010. The university started functioning in 2014 and moved to its new campus in 2020, which combines traditional and modern architecture.

The 455-acre campus includes a Net Zero area with 100 acres of water bodies.

The ancient Nalanda University, which existed since the fifth century, attracted students from all over the world. It flourished for 800 years before being destroyed by invaders in the 12th century, according to experts.

'More advancements in higher education'

Modi said the central government is working towards making the country’s higher education system more advanced and research oriented.

The prime minister also called upon students to always remain curious and courageous.

“Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange. It is not just a renaissance of India's past, but the heritage of many countries are linked to this place,” he said.

“Our government is working towards making the country’s higher education system more advanced and research-oriented. I am confident that our youth will provide leadership to the entire world in the future,” Modi said.

The prime minister said he wants India to become a global hub for knowledge and education.

The prime minister also praised the educational institutions set up in the country during his last two tenures.

He said, "In the last 10 years, one university has been built every week in India on an average, while one ITI has been established every day. In India, two new colleges have been built every day on an average. Today, there are 23 IITs in the country. There were only 13 IIMs and now this number has increased to 21."

The ruins of ancient Nalanda

Before inaugurating the new campus, Modi visited the ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’, a UNESCO world heritage site located close to the varsity.

The ruins of ancient Nalanda comprise the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution. It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important artworks in stucco, stone and metal. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university of the Indian subcontinent.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in view of the prime minister's visit to Nalanda.

The prime minister was briefed about the ancient ruins by Gautami Bhattacharya, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI Patna Circle.

"Visiting the excavated remains of Nalanda was exemplary. It was an opportunity to be at one of the greatest seats of learning in the ancient world. This site offers a profound glimpse into the scholarly past that once thrived here. Nalanda has created an intellectual spirit that continues to thrive in our nation," Modi posted on X. 

Before his Nalanda visit, Modi wrote in a post on X, "It's a very special day for our education sector. The new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth".