Revival of Nalanda University


Can one envision the era around 427 CE when a center for higher education was founded, enduring until the 13th century?

Indeed, that was the legacy of Nalanda University of India, which significantly fostered the patronage of the arts and academics during the 5th and 6th centuries CE. Tragically, the university endured a man-made catastrophe that obliterated its treasures. It was a melting pot of diverse philosophies aimed at shaping a brighter future, and its vast collection of handwritten tomes was so extensive that it burned for months, ultimately lost to the misguided zeal to assert the dominance of one faith—a sentiment that persists in various forms today. Nalanda represented a hub of learning not confined to India; scholars from many nations actively engaged in the educational exchange as both educators and learners. This period has been termed the "Golden Age of India" by historians.

The inauguration of the new campus on June 19, 2024, marks India's entry into a new era of cultural and academic renaissance, aimed at the peaceful coexistence of humanity. It was a collective effort of several neighboring countries, signifying a new dawn of shared responsibility, not only in reviving the university but also in shaping the future of global universities as centers of knowledge for the entire mankind. This embodies the true essence of a university, transcending geographical boundaries to be accessible to all, free from administrative constraints. Universities should be universal hubs of academic excellence where diverse cultures converge in the quest for knowledge. By reviving Nalanda University, India is rightfully advancing in the right direction towards academic prominence. Sustainability poses a significant challenge, and devising a system of administrative control for a universally accessible institution will be even more complex. Addressing these issues opens the possibility of establishing at least four such global universities, representing the north, east, south, and west. Convincing other nations to invest in such universal knowledge centers will undoubtedly be challenging. However, with capable leadership, achieving this feat is within reach, actualizing the profound concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family)!

Inauguration: Nalanda University


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Are countries not facing a dilemma?

Arrogance Vs Ignorance!

Is the world undergoing another transition?