Time to redeem glorious past: Modi Govt plans to reopen famed University 'Nalanda'

It has been proven fact now that Narendra Modi always keeps country's interest above all. Recently only, the government rejected WTO's Trade facilitation agreement, keeping in mind the larger interest of poor of the country. He is also known for his advocacy that national heritage and its vast culture must be preserved at any cost.

Threading on this line, the new dispensation will soon add another cap in its growing popularity.The renowned Nalanda University, once considered a big pride of India will soon start its first academic programme from September 1.

Resurrection plan announced by APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006

The ancient University's glorious past can be gauged from the fact that it came into existence even before Harvard and Cambridge were set up by European countries.

What is the plan?
According to a Hindustan Times report, through revival the aim is to recreate the intellectual rigour of the old school, which was once a centre of excellence not just for philosophy and Buddhist studies but also for literature and mathematics.

The famed university of Bihar, at its height was home to over 10,000 students (from different countries) and nearly 2,000 teachers before it was destroyed by a Turkic general Bakhtiyar Khalji in 1193.

When asked how many courses will be taught, Gopa Sabharwal who is the vice chancellor of the University said that at present there will be two courses- Historical Studies and Ecology & Environment Studies which will be increased to five streams later on. Reportedly, the orientation programme is scheduled for august 29. The external Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit is also in offing.

Plan of revival-Timeline
After abandoned for years, resurrection plan of this famed University got momentum in 2006 when APJ Abdul Kalam who was then the President of India announced to establish an international "mentoring panel", membered by Nobel-winning economist Amartya Sen and couple of foreign dignitaries.

Then in September 2010, Parliament had passed a Nalanda University Bill endorsing its creation. To further streamlining the governance structure of the proposed university, the erstwhile Government UPA made some amendments to the University (Amendment) Bill in March 2014.

According to a Rediff report, various other countries have also made voluntary contributions to the varsity include China ($1 million), Thailand ($100,000), Laos ($50,000) and Indonesia ($30,000).

Talking about the financial back up for the project, the Minister of foreign affair in UPA, Preneet Kaur had said that Government sanctioned Rs 272.10 crore to Nalanda university during its establishment phase from 2010-11 to 2021-22. The estimated capital cost of for establishing of University is Rs 1749.65 crore.

Glorious past of the university
This ancient institution is located in Bihar, about 88 kilometres southeast of Patna.

Had been a religious centre of learning from the fifth century AD to 1197 before it was destroyed by an army of the Mamluk Dynasty under Ikhtiyar ad-Din Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji.

It is being said that Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed this varsity just because he didn't like the fact that how a teacher of the university can cure him when his own people couldn't.

Incensed over this fact that Indian teacher named Rahul Sri Bhadra cured him; the autocratic ruler ordered to burn down whole of the structure. Report says, the great library of Nalanda was so vast that it took three months before it was destroyed completely by fire set in by invaders.
Before it was ruined by invaders, it was highly acclaimed center which attracted scholars and students from as far away as Tibet, China, Greece, and Greater Iran.