Located in The City Of Rajgir in the northern Indian state of Bihar, Nalanda University has been an important and world-famous learning center since ancient times. It is the oldest university of all the universities in the world. This university is supported by the participating countries of the East Asia Summit. Nalanda University is capable of meeting global standards of academic excellence and research. This university draws its international character from the strong historical legacy of its illustrious predecessor. The university’s stated goal is to be “an international institution for the pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies” committed to excellence.
History of Nalanda University
Nalanda University was established in the 5th century by Emperor Kumaragupta, the ruler of the Gupta dynasty. At that time, along with Hinayana Buddhism, other religions were taught by teachers in this university. At that time, students from many countries used to read it, which is mentioned in the travel descriptions of Chinese travelers Hiuen Tsang and Itsing, who visited India in the seventh century. Hiuen Tsang had received education by staying here for almost a year. It was a residential university with about 10,000 students and about 2,000 teachers.
According to ancient records, Nalanda University has been destroyed thrice but rebuilt twice. The last invasion was done in 1193 by the Ottoman general Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khiljikhilji, after which it could not be rebuilt. At that time, along with all the religions of India, Buddhism had suffered a great setback. It is known from the historical sources that the Nalanda University ran splendidly for about 800 years. The teachers’ in-depth knowledge attracted students from China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Now old Nalanda Is A Tourist Center.
Re-establishment of Nalanda University
Nalanda University was revived when the former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, proposed the idea of reconstruction of ancient Nalanda while addressing the Bihar State Legislative Assembly in 2006. At the same time, the Singapore government presented the “Nalanda Proposal” to the Indian government. That resolution suggested the establishment of ancient Nalanda once again as the focal point of Asia. In this way, with the help of governments, Nalanda University was established in a new form.
At the 4th EA Summit held in Hua Hin, Thailand, in October 2009, members reaffirmed the merits of establishing this University. Finally, the Nalanda University Act 2010 was passed in both the houses of the Indian Parliament. After a gap of about eight hundred years, in September 2014, the University admitted its first batch of students. As of 2019, eighteen member countries have signed bilateral or multilateral agreements regarding its establishment. Nalanda University is one such university where about 50% of the students come from different countries.
Prof. Sunaina Singh is the Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University presently. She met Professor Ivan Pranoto, the Education and Cultural Attaché, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia on 5 June 2017 to discuss further the relationship with Indonesia.
Schools of University
The schools of Nalanda University emphasized promoting learning in different institutional environments. It develops subtle understanding in the students. Presently Nalanda provides School of Historical Studies, School of Ecology and Environment Studies, and School of Buddhist Studies offer programs in Philosophy and Comparative Religion. As per the information available on the site of the University, it is going to establish the following schools in the coming time.
- Linguistics and Literature
- International Relations and Peace Studies
- Informatics and Technology
- Economics and Management
- Public Health
While studying at the university, students are encouraged to participate in various committees and clubs. Winning also has clubs and committees, and those are all run by the students. In this, the university provides financial assistance. During this time, students develop their communication, organization, and social skills. You can contact here for admission in any discipline at Nalanda University. https://nalandauniv.edu.in/admissions/
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