Nalanda University

Nalanda has been a seat of knowledge for over eight centuries in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. It has been a renowned centre for learning from the 5th century until it was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century. Nalanda is proclaimed as, “One of the most important universities in the world, was developed not in the medieval west, but right here in India: Nalanda University… was instrumental in producing people who are capable of understanding and articulating what it means to have universal knowledge, knowledge that is applicable across cultures and across times.” (Dr. Geoffrey Durham)

The Nalanda University attracted scholars and students from near and far, some travelling all the way from Tibet, China, Korea and Central Asia in quest of knowledge. It was a centre of excellence not only for Ancient Indian wisdom, Buddhist studies and philosophy but for Medicine and Mathematics, Astronomy and Logic as well. After teaching thousands of students for centuries, Nalanda ceased to exist just as universities were opening up in Bologna, Paris and Oxford at the beginning of the second millennium CE. The shift of centres of knowledge from East to West was symbolic of the eventual transfer of power which followed within half a millennium.

There is now a perfect opportunity to recreate the hallowed universalism of Nalanda as a centre of knowledge. The second millennium CE ended with a tremendous resurgence of Asia after centuries of stagnation, division and decline. Asia is today synonymous with a dynamic entrepreneurial and innovative culture, based on knowledge and enterprise not forgetful of its past yet not afraid to face the future. Asian countries are coming together to forge a continent based on the foundations of peace and harmony. The decision of the East Asian Summit in 2007, at its meeting in Cebu, Philippines, to endorse the plan to re-establish the Nalanda University underscores the commitment to these values. The aim is to rebuild Nalanda as a seat of knowledge.

The Nalanda University Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Sunday). It is a fully air-conditioned library with Wi-Fi connectivity. It is fully automated with KOHA ILM software and also has locker facilities for the students. Though at a nascent stage, it is evolving at a great pace and is envisioned to become the hub of student activity in future. Library facilities are intended to help students in their academics and research work. (The facilities are primarily for the use of those holding University IDs.) All visitors to the Nalanda University Library must comply with rules and regulations of the University Library that are specified in the Library Rule Book.

The University has a well-equipped Laboratory for its students in the School of Ecology and Environment Studies to help them perform their research work with ease.

The University takes measures to keep its students safe and tries to make available the best medical assistance it can. Students also have the facility of seeing a visiting doctor at the Campus for their medical needs. The University Doctor visits the Tathagat Residence Hall every Tuesday from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. This is a free of charge service.

Students with special medical needs must inform the Student Affairs Office of any condition that requires the University to be aware of their special requirements or any necessary treatments. Moreover, students who are on regular medication for any condition are advised to carry a prescription of their medication and also carry a supply of the same.

In addition to the University’s own facilities, the University also uses the Rajgir International Convention Centre – an impressive facility with auditoria of various sizes, seminar rooms, an art gallery, film theatre and a cafeteria. This facility is adjacent to the University Residence Hall.

Students are encouraged to participate in Student Societies and Clubs during the course of study at Nalanda. They can choose to get associated with any of the clubs and societies in the University. Being involved in these groups gives students an opportunity to develop their communication, organisation and social skills that will prove valuable in real world situations.The clubs are run by students and the University only provides financial support and facilities. Many of the activities of these clubs are also open for faculty and staff participation.