Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19 (Wednesday). The ancient ruins of Nalanda University are less than 20 km away from the newly constructed campus.&nbsp;

Nalanda University was a significant part of India's cultural heritage and attracted scholars from all across the world. The site contains artefacts that were built using stucco, metal and stone back in the day.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwaves-sizzle-india-delhi-feels-like-50-degrees-nainital-swelters-slight-relief-expected-soon-732918">Heatwaves sizzle India: Delhi feels like 50 degrees, Nainital swelters; slight relief expected soon</a>

Prime Minister Modi also paid a visit to the ancient remains of the campus that was declared a United Nations Heritage site back in 2016. Ambassadors from 17 countries along with the Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar and Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath were present at the event.&nbsp;

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It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs… <a href="https://t.co/sJh6cndEve">pic.twitter.com/sJh6cndEve</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1803262253631721719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

On account of this historic event, Modi took to X and wrote "It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth."

Watch |&nbsp;India &amp; US planning a human-led lunar exploration?

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The establishment of the new campus at Nalanda University is a significant milestone for the education system in India and the country as a whole. The campus, built at a cost of Rs 1749 crore ($209 million),&nbsp;has two academic blocks&nbsp;with 40 classrooms and a total seating capacity of almost 1,900 people. On-campus residential facilities are also present for students along with other amenities such as clubs, sports complexes, auditoriums, etc.&nbsp;

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"It is a matter of happiness that today Nalanda University is being inaugurated by PM Modi. His presence here underscores the importance he places on Nalanda's educational and cultural legacies. We are very fortunate that this significant event is happening in Bihar," Bihar Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath commented on the inauguration ceremony that took place.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19 (Wednesday). The ancient ruins of Nalanda University are less than 20 km away from the newly constructed campus.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19 (Wednesday). The ancient ruins of Nalanda University are less than 20 km away from the newly constructed campus. Nalanda University was a significant part of India's cultural heritage and attracted scholars from all across the world. The site contains artefacts that were built using stucco, metal and stone back in the day. Also read | Heatwaves sizzle India: Delhi feels like 50 degrees, Nainital swelters; slight relief expected soon Prime Minister Modi also paid a visit to the ancient remains of the campus that was declared a United Nations Heritage site back in 2016. Ambassadors from 17 countries along with the Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar and Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath were present at the event. It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs… pic.twitter.com/sJh6cndEve — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2024 × On account of this historic event, Modi took to X and wrote "It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth." Watch | India & US planning a human-led lunar exploration? The establishment of the new campus at Nalanda University is a significant milestone for the education system in India and the country as a whole. The campus, built at a cost of Rs 1749 crore ($209 million), has two academic blocks with 40 classrooms and a total seating capacity of almost 1,900 people. On-campus residential facilities are also present for students along with other amenities such as clubs, sports complexes, auditoriums, etc. Also read | Canadian sentiment towards India drops sharply amid diplomatic strains: Report "It is a matter of happiness that today Nalanda University is being inaugurated by PM Modi. His presence here underscores the importance he places on Nalanda's educational and cultural legacies. We are very fortunate that this significant event is happening in Bihar," Bihar Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath commented on the inauguration ceremony that took place. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates new Nalanda University campus in Rajgir, Bihar

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, on Wednesday (June 19), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar grabbed attention as he held PM's hand to check for the indelible vote ink on his index finger.

The incident which was captured on video and shared by PTI news agency has since gone viral on social media.&nbsp;

The video shows Nitish Kumar unexpectedly grabbing the Prime Minister's hand, which briefly alerted the security personnel seated behind the PM.&nbsp;

Users were quick to react on Nitish Kumar's gesture with one writing on X, "Going the Biden&nbsp;way,&nbsp;is&nbsp;he?"&nbsp;

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VIDEO | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> CM Nitish Kumar checks PM Modi's finger for indelible ink mark during the inauguration event of new campus of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NalandaUniversity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NalandaUniversity</a> in Rajgir. 
 
(Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvqRQz">https://t.co/n147TvqRQz</a>) <a href="https://t.co/uBkthqzxMm">pic.twitter.com/uBkthqzxMm</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1803306901779722320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Modi officially opened the new campus of Nalanda University, a significant event highlighting the university's historical and educational importance.

In his speech, PM Modi remarked, "Nalanda is not just a name, but an identity of India's academic heritage."

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke at the event and described the inauguration as a "revival of the global bridge of learning."

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"I am especially glad to note that Nalanda University is already working both in India and ASEAN member states towards creating an ASEAN-India University Network. The Schools and Centres of this University have also been consciously chosen to highlight the purpose of this University. It is a matter of satisfaction that the student community is drawn from so many nations and regions of the world," Jaishankar added.&nbsp;

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He further highlighted the university's historical significance, noting, "The university's destruction marked a downturn in our history. It also served a larger role by connecting our society with those of our near and far neighbours, through land and sea."

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Governor Rajendra V Arlekar&nbsp;and ambassadors from 17 countries.

Prior to the inauguration, PM Modi visited the UNESCO world heritage site Nalanda Mahavihara, marking his first visit to the state since the Lok Sabha elections.

Established through the Nalanda University Act in 2010 and operational since 2014, the new campus is designed to be a replica of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the world's first residential universities founded around 1,600 years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, on Wednesday (June 19), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar grabbed attention as he held PM's hand to check for the indelible vote ink on his index finger.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, on Wednesday (June 19), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar grabbed attention as he held PM's hand to check for the indelible vote ink on his index finger. The incident which was captured on video and shared by PTI news agency has since gone viral on social media. The video shows Nitish Kumar unexpectedly grabbing the Prime Minister's hand, which briefly alerted the security personnel seated behind the PM. Users were quick to react on Nitish Kumar's gesture with one writing on X, "Going the Biden way, is he?" VIDEO | #Bihar CM Nitish Kumar checks PM Modi's finger for indelible ink mark during the inauguration event of new campus of #NalandaUniversity in Rajgir. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/uBkthqzxMm — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 19, 2024 × Prime Minister Modi officially opened the new campus of Nalanda University, a significant event highlighting the university's historical and educational importance. In his speech, PM Modi remarked, "Nalanda is not just a name, but an identity of India's academic heritage." Also Read | Delhi water crisis: BJP leaders stage protest, accuse AAP govt of 'stealing and looting people' External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke at the event and described the inauguration as a "revival of the global bridge of learning." Also Read | Excise Policy Case: Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody extended till July 3 "I am especially glad to note that Nalanda University is already working both in India and ASEAN member states towards creating an ASEAN-India University Network. The Schools and Centres of this University have also been consciously chosen to highlight the purpose of this University. It is a matter of satisfaction that the student community is drawn from so many nations and regions of the world," Jaishankar added. Watch | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's custody extended | Gaza: Clinical capacity down by 70% × He further highlighted the university's historical significance, noting, "The university's destruction marked a downturn in our history. It also served a larger role by connecting our society with those of our near and far neighbours, through land and sea." The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Governor Rajendra V Arlekar and ambassadors from 17 countries. Prior to the inauguration, PM Modi visited the UNESCO world heritage site Nalanda Mahavihara, marking his first visit to the state since the Lok Sabha elections. Established through the Nalanda University Act in 2010 and operational since 2014, the new campus is designed to be a replica of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the world's first residential universities founded around 1,600 years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: PM Modi caught off guard by THIS sneaky move of Nitish Kumar at Nalanda University

Indian PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated a new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar's Rajgir. The new campus is near the ancient ruins of Nalanda University. Watch this video for all details.

India PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new Nalanda University in Bihar, built at cost of $209 mn dollars

A mound spotted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a village in Sheikhpura district has yielded potsherds, perhaps dating back to 1000 BC. 
 
Potsherds are pieces of broken ceramic pot or other earthenware that have archaeological significance.

&quot;We visited the site yesterday and were thrilled to discover a number of potsherds which give a hint about the antiquity of the mound,&quot; Executive Director of the K P Jayaswal Research Institute, Bijoy Kumar Chaudhary, said yesterday.

The state-run institute, located in the Patna Museum building, research&nbsp;in the field of history and archaeology.

&quot;Black slip wares and black and red wares found at the site appear to be of a period around 1000 BC. We also found some red furnished ware that could date back to the Neolithic period,&quot; Chaudhary told PTI.

A team of archaeologists conducted preliminary explorations at Pharpar village in Ariyari block after getting a call from Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh.

The chief secretary, who was accompanying the chief minister during his visit to the village on Friday, telephoned Chaudhary after Kumar noticed the mound and observed that it looked like a site of historical and archaeological importance, he said.

The village is about 120 kilometers from the state capital.

The archaeologists also found some fragmented sculptures of Buddha, Lord Vishnu, and some female deities.

&quot;Fragmented sculptures had been found in the village earlier also when our institute was carrying out state-wide explorations. But the mound was overlooked at that time,&quot; Chaudhary said.

Preliminary exploration has established the archaeological significance of the spot, he said.

&quot;We now plan to conduct a comprehensive exploration which may yield many more artifacts and shed light on the historical significance of the obscure spot,&quot; Chaudhary said.

The spot was noticed by the chief minister on Friday when he was there on his &#39;Vikas Samiksha Yatra&#39;, to take stock of the development work carried out by his government.

Nitish Kumar is known for his interest in archaeology.

At his instance, a &quot;Bihar museum&quot; has been set up in the state capital, which was inaugurated a couple of months ago while museums across the state are being given a face-lift.

After the ancient Nalanda University got the UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016, Kumar is now making efforts to get the same tag for the cyclopean wall at Rajgir.

A cyclopean wall is constructed without mortar, using enormous blocks of stone.

The archaeologists also found some fragmented sculptures of Buddha, Lord Vishnu, and some female deities

A mound spotted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a village in Sheikhpura district has yielded potsherds, perhaps dating back to 1000 BC. Potsherds are pieces of broken ceramic pot or other earthenware that have archaeological significance. "We visited the site yesterday and were thrilled to discover a number of potsherds which give a hint about the antiquity of the mound," Executive Director of the K P Jayaswal Research Institute, Bijoy Kumar Chaudhary, said yesterday. The state-run institute, located in the Patna Museum building, research in the field of history and archaeology. "Black slip wares and black and red wares found at the site appear to be of a period around 1000 BC. We also found some red furnished ware that could date back to the Neolithic period," Chaudhary told PTI. A team of archaeologists conducted preliminary explorations at Pharpar village in Ariyari block after getting a call from Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh. The chief secretary, who was accompanying the chief minister during his visit to the village on Friday, telephoned Chaudhary after Kumar noticed the mound and observed that it looked like a site of historical and archaeological importance, he said. The village is about 120 kilometers from the state capital. The archaeologists also found some fragmented sculptures of Buddha, Lord Vishnu, and some female deities. "Fragmented sculptures had been found in the village earlier also when our institute was carrying out state-wide explorations. But the mound was overlooked at that time," Chaudhary said. Preliminary exploration has established the archaeological significance of the spot, he said. "We now plan to conduct a comprehensive exploration which may yield many more artifacts and shed light on the historical significance of the obscure spot," Chaudhary said. The spot was noticed by the chief minister on Friday when he was there on his 'Vikas Samiksha Yatra', to take stock of the development work carried out by his government. Nitish Kumar is known for his interest in archaeology. At his instance, a "Bihar museum" has been set up in the state capital, which was inaugurated a couple of months ago while museums across the state are being given a face-lift. After the ancient Nalanda University got the UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016, Kumar is now making efforts to get the same tag for the cyclopean wall at Rajgir. A cyclopean wall is constructed without mortar, using enormous blocks of stone.

Mound found by Nitish yields 3000-year-old potsherds

Nobel Laureate&nbsp;Amartya Sen&rsquo;s nine-year-long association with the Nalanda University has come to an end.

On November 21, President Pranab Mukherjee, as the Visitor of the university, approved the new constitution of the university&#39;s governing body according to section 7 of the Nalanda University Act, 2010, sources told Indian daily The Indian Express.

Sen, along with former Harvard professor and Trinamool Congress member of Parliament Sugata Bose, and UK-based economist Meghnad Desai, do not figure in the member list of the new governing body.

Sen had resigned as the Chancellor of the university in February 2015, publicly criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had, however, continued to be a member of the governing body as he was a part of the&nbsp;Nalanda Mentors Group (NMG) since 2007.

The NMG was constituted by former prime minister Manmohan Singh&#39;s government with the revival of the Nalanda University.

The new governing board constitute the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and five members belonging to the member States (India, China, Australia, Laos PDR and Thailand).

&ldquo;Former bureaucrat N K Singh, who is now a BJP member, has been nominated as the Indian representative. Apart from him, there are Secretary (East) in MEA, Preeti Saran, two members representing Bihar government, one member not below the rank of additional secretary in the Ministry of HRD, and three members as &lsquo;renowned academicians / educationists&rsquo; to be nominated by the central government. These are: Professor Arvind Sharma, Faculty of Religious Studies, McGill University, Canada, Professor Lokesh Chandra, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Dr Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, Niti Aayog,&rdquo; the Indian Express reported the source as saying. 
 
The revival of the Nalanda University was initiated by the previous UPA government in 2007, and the NMG was formed for this purpose. Subsequently, the Nalanda University Act 2010 was passed by Parliament and came into force on November 25, 2010.

The NMG was to be the governing board for one year&nbsp;from November 25, 2010. This was later extended to two more years and saw several other extensions over the years.

(WION)

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee dissolved the Nalanda Mentors Group, leaving out Sen and a few other members of the 6-year-old body

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen’s nine-year-long association with the Nalanda University has come to an end. On November 21, President Pranab Mukherjee, as the Visitor of the university, approved the new constitution of the university's governing body according to section 7 of the Nalanda University Act, 2010, sources told Indian daily The Indian Express. Sen, along with former Harvard professor and Trinamool Congress member of Parliament Sugata Bose, and UK-based economist Meghnad Desai, do not figure in the member list of the new governing body. Sen had resigned as the Chancellor of the university in February 2015, publicly criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had, however, continued to be a member of the governing body as he was a part of the Nalanda Mentors Group (NMG) since 2007. The NMG was constituted by former prime minister Manmohan Singh's government with the revival of the Nalanda University. The new governing board constitute the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and five members belonging to the member States (India, China, Australia, Laos PDR and Thailand). “Former bureaucrat N K Singh, who is now a BJP member, has been nominated as the Indian representative. Apart from him, there are Secretary (East) in MEA, Preeti Saran, two members representing Bihar government, one member not below the rank of additional secretary in the Ministry of HRD, and three members as ‘renowned academicians / educationists’ to be nominated by the central government. These are: Professor Arvind Sharma, Faculty of Religious Studies, McGill University, Canada, Professor Lokesh Chandra, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Dr Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, Niti Aayog,” the Indian Express reported the source as saying. The revival of the Nalanda University was initiated by the previous UPA government in 2007, and the NMG was formed for this purpose. Subsequently, the Nalanda University Act 2010 was passed by Parliament and came into force on November 25, 2010. The NMG was to be the governing board for one year from November 25, 2010. This was later extended to two more years and saw several other extensions over the years. (WION)

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen no more part of Nalanda University board