Vishwa Thacker – Mumbai Uncensored, 18th February 2022
Between the 5th century CE to 12th century CE. Nalanda University was one of the largest education centres in the world until invaders demolished it. Students from all across the world dreamt of studying at this university.
We find texts that mention Persian, Chinese, Buddhist and Jains of the world. In many Buddhist and Jain texts, we can see Nalanda described as a ‘safe space’.
Nalanda held great importance for India. It attracted scholars from all around the world. The Chinese scholars I-Qing and Xuan Zang visited Nalanda in the 7th century CE. They wrote that the university conducted around hundred discourses per day. Students at Nalanda studied the Vedas and were also trained in fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics and the art of warfare.
Suffering invasions of numerous tyrants, it finally succumbed by Turk invader Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji in the late 12th century CE.
In 2006, former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam talked about reviving the glory of Nalanda. The decision was backed up by the East Asia Summit in 2007.Stretching across the land of 450 acres at Rajgiri Hills’ base, Nalanda is all set to reclaim its strength and glory. More than 90% of the work has already been completed.
“Now we have six schools. For regular courses, the intake is over 250, while overall it remains between 700-1000 due to the certificates and diploma courses that we run. We have just launched a global diploma in Hindu Studies (Sanatan) and the response has been good not only from India but from abroad”, said the Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University Professor Sunanaina Singh.
Soon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be approached to inaugurate it.
