Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay recently visited Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar with the First Lady and an official delegation. The University held an interactive session where students asked questions showcasing Nalanda’s tradition of lively intellectual exchange.
Vice Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi welcomed the guests and highlighted Nalanda’s philosophy of oneness with nature and development with sustainability. He also spoke about its commitment to peace, reflecting the ideals of Sustainable Development Goals and India’s LiFE mission.
Tobgay expressed his wish for more collaboration in academic exchanges, scholarships, and cultural partnerships. He invited Nalanda University to take part in Bhutan’s upcoming Global Peace Prayer Festival.
Nalanda University
- It was originally established in 427 CE by Emperor Kumaragupta and ancient Nalanda was the world’s first residential university, hosting 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students for over 800 years and attracting scholars from across Asia.
- It is located near the Rajgir hills and symbolizes a unique blend of nature, spirituality, and learning, drawing from its ancient heritage where great thinkers like Buddha, Mahavira, Nagarjuna and Aryabhatta once taught or meditated.
Revival of Nalanda University
- The idea to revive Nalanda was proposed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2006, with support from the East Asia Summit, the Singapore government and Indian leadership. The Nalanda University Act was passed in 2010 and the first students enrolled in 2014.
- The revived Nalanda University aspires to be futuristic and global, rooted in ancient wisdom while addressing modern challenges, making it a beacon of sustainable and inclusive education welcomed worldwide , visit here
In his remarks, the Prime Minister referred to Nalanda as a “timeless beacon of peace, unity and spirituality ” He recognized the strong spiritual and cultural connections between Bhutan and Nalanda. The visit ended with a student dialogue and a renewed commitment to promoting peace, sustainability, and education between Bhutan and India through Nalanda University. for more National news link yourself here
