Opinion | The Nalanda Revival: Not Just Symbolic, But Essential – News18
Last Updated:
Its revival is not merely a return to the past but a transformative, forward-looking path that seeks to create and nurture new-age thinkers equipped to tackle global challenges with wisdom, innovation, and harmony
PM Narendra Modi speaks during the inauguration of the new campus of Nalanda University, in Nalanda district, Bihar. (Image: PTI/File)
In an increasingly turbulent geopolitical landscape, the revival of Nalanda is more important than ever. While much has been said and written about its ancient legacy, we must now focus on shaping its vision for a modern society filled with complexities.
Today’s world faces unprecedented challenges — from the climate crisis to geopolitical instability, and from societal divisions to regime changes. Nalanda’s emphasis on holistic education, global collaboration, and, above all, peace offers a blueprint for addressing these issues. Its revival is not merely a return to the past but a transformative, forward-looking path that seeks to create and nurture new-age thinkers equipped to tackle global challenges with wisdom, innovation, and harmony — just as Nalanda once did.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a crucial role to play in reinvigorating the Nalanda dream. At the G20 India forum, he proudly highlighted Nalanda’s historical and glorious significance to eminent world leaders.
From the Red Fort this year, he proclaimed: “We want to build a strong education system so the youth of this nation do not have to go anywhere. We need to reignite the Nalanda spirit. The spirit of Nalanda has to reflect in the New Education Policy.”
His words reflect Nalanda’s vision, not merely as an educational institution but as a symbol of Bharat’s aspirations for global leadership in knowledge and innovation.
Nalanda’s true significance lies in its role as a bridge between the past, present, and future. In a modern society shaped by rapid technological advancements and social fragmentation, it holds immense promise as a model of education that prioritises holistic development, cultural competence, and the pursuit of universal truths.
As Prime Minister Modi noted during the Academic Leadership Conference on Education for Resurgence: “In our ancient universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Takshashila, both knowledge and innovation were given equal importance.”
The resurrection of Nalanda symbolises an ambitious endeavour to reclaim India’s intellectual and cultural leadership on the global stage. It reaffirms the belief that education is a cornerstone of peace, progress, and prosperity.
As he aptly expressed: “Nalanda is not just a name; it is an identity, an honour, a value, a mantra. It is pride, it is a saga. Nalanda is a proclamation of the truth that while books may burn in the flames, the flames cannot extinguish the knowledge.”
The journey from ancient to modern-day Nalanda mirrors a cosmic trajectory of change and continuity. While the ancient Nalanda epitomised a confluence of cultures, research, and ideas, its contemporary counterpart aspires to replicate this ethos in a modern context. However, the challenges are significant.
Today’s societies are fractured by enmity and discontent, often resistant to the ideals of harmony and understanding that Nalanda seeks to promote. The receptivity of various stakeholders — students, educators, and governments — varies significantly.
In a modern world increasingly driven by material pursuits, the emphasis on knowledge for its own sake can sometimes seem idealistic. However, it is precisely this idealism that makes Nalanda’s mission both unique and indispensable. By fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and mutual respect, Nalanda holds immense potential to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, from cultural misunderstandings to geopolitical conflicts.
Since the recent inauguration of its sprawling new campus in Bihar, the university has witnessed a steady rise in students from diverse backgrounds. Developing nations, in particular, are recognising the value of a Nalanda education. This growing interest highlights the universal appeal of Nalanda’s vision — to create a space where individuals from different cultures can engage in meaningful dialogue and foster a collaborative learning experience.
The prime minister’s purposeful interventions have further strengthened Nalanda’s global standing. At the 19th East Asia Summit in Lao PDR, he declared: “The revival of Nalanda was a commitment we made at the East Asia Summit. This June, we fulfilled that commitment by inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University. I invite all the countries present here to participate in the ‘Heads of Higher Education Conclave’ to be held at Nalanda.”
His address reflects both confidence and determination in the university’s approach, signalling its readiness to engage constructively with the world on an equal footing.
In today’s era, where global bodies struggle to maintain peace, Nalanda’s mission takes on new urgency. Its broader objective is to foster a spirit of inquiry and innovation that transcends traditional academic boundaries. By integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge, Nalanda truly aspires to be a world leader in interdisciplinary education.
The university’s emphasis on peace and cultural competence positions it as a valuable partner for organisations like the United Nations in promoting global harmony. As PM Modi observed, “The revival of Nalanda is not just about rebuilding a university; it is about reigniting a spirit that can guide the world towards knowledge, harmony, and progress.”
The challenges of operating in a rural setting and attracting top-tier talent are real. However, these hurdles are not insurmountable. Modern-day Nalanda’s success will ultimately depend on its ability to uphold benchmarks of excellence, the quality of its teachers, and the calibre of its diverse student body. As history has shown, it is these fine elements that transform a university from an ordinary institution into a great legacy.
Nalanda’s promising yet largely untapped potential lies in its ability to redefine the paradigm of university-level education in India. By inspiring students to pursue knowledge for its own sake, rather than as a mere means to a job, Nalanda could become a beacon for aspiring scholars worldwide.
It reflects Bharat’s determination to reclaim its intellectual heritage and offer a new model of education that prioritises knowledge, harmony, and cultural competency. As the university continues to evolve, it sustains the hopes and dreams of countless individuals who believe in the transformative power of education.
In the words of the PM, “In ancient universities like Nalanda, both knowledge and innovation were given equal importance.” By staying true to this vision, Nalanda can once again become a guiding light for the world, illuminating the path to a brighter and more harmonious future. And this is why Nalanda matters!
(Amarjeet Verma is a policy researcher, political & social activist, and aspiring author. He addresses contemporary issues spanning people, policy, and politics with profound insight and clarity. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views)
Discover more from Divya Bharat 🇮🇳
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
