Japan offer assistance in rebuiling Nalanda University

New Delhi, Apr 10: A Japanese delegation today proposed to raise funds and provide other support for rebuilding the world famous ancient Nalanda University in Bihar into a major international institution of education.

The delegation comprising of Japanese leaders from the field of politics, economy, education and culture met Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party President Ram Vilas Paswan here and offered to assist in the revival of Nalanda University. They urged Mr Paswan to take a lead in this regard.

Recently, President A P J Abdul Kalam, during his visit to the state, had announced revival of the Nalanda University, which was seat of higher learning during ancient times. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also said that a road map for the project is being prepared.

Meanwhile, Mr Paswan has assured to take up with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a proposal made by the Mahabodhi Society to grant Indian nationality to Buddhist Tibetans, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Dalai Lama, who have been living in this country for decades.

According to Society President B K Modi who made the proposal during the Buddha Jayanti Celebration yesterday, this would remove the bone of contention in connection with the Tibetans in India and also help improve relationship between India and China.

UNI