From ruins to revival: Glimpse into the new campus of Nalanda University

Founded in the 5th century CE, Nalanda University, an ancient hub of higher education, gained global renown as one of the foremost universities, drawing scholars from across India, China, Tibet, Persia, and other regions of Asia. (Photo: ANI)

The new campus, located near the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, was established through the Nalanda University Act, 2010. This initiative stemmed from a decision made at the second East Asia Summit held in the Philippines in 2007. The University is a joint collaboration between India and East Asia Summit(EAS) countries. (Photo: Agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar and ambassadors from 17 partner countries were also present at the prestigious event. (Photo: ANI)

Describing the occasion as "historic," the university's interim vice-chancellor, Professor Abhay Kumar Singh, said, “We consider the visit of the Prime Minister a very prestigious and auspicious occasion. The Prime Minister has made the occasion special because he is bringing the diplomats of East Asia Summit countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also coming. This celebratory spirit will give Nalanda a boost.” (Photo: X @narendramodi)

The university comprises two academic buildings with a total of 40 classrooms and two auditoriums, each with a seating capacity of 300. It has a hostel accommodating approximately 550 students, a 2,000-seat amphitheater, a sports complex, and an international center, attracting students and faculty from various countries. (Photo: Agencies)

Spanning 450 acres, the campus is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Designed around the theme of environmental conservation, it operates as a 'Net Zero' Green Campus. The campus ensures self-sustainability through a solar plant, domestic and drinking water treatment facilities, and a water recycling plant for wastewater reuse. It also includes numerous water bodies across a 100-acre area and various other eco-friendly amenities. (Photo: X @BJP4Goa)

Currently, the University has six schools, including the School of Historical Studies, the School of Ecology and Environmental Studies, and the School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, and Comparative Religions. To foster global peace and advance research in Lord Buddha’s philosophy, the University has also established a School of International Relations and Peace Studies. (Photo: X @narendramodi)

The University provides a range of courses in contemporary studies through its School of Languages and Literature and School of Management Studies.The university provides postgraduate and doctoral research programs, along with short-term certificate courses. It also offers 137 scholarships to international students. (Photo: Agencies)

In 2007, following former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s suggestion, the Bihar assembly passed a bill to establish a new university. Operating from a temporary location since September 1, 2014, with 14 students, the university in Rajgir was inaugurated by former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in 2014.

In 2016, former President Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus in Pilkhi village, Rajgir, with construction starting in 2017. (Photo: Agencies)

Today, the ruins of Nalanda University stand as a Unesco World Heritage site and are among India's most esteemed and visited historical landmarks. The realization that this university once educated great scholars and thinkers is truly humbling. (Photo: Agencies)