RS passes Nalanda varsity bill
The Rajya Sabha on Saturday passed the Nalanda University Bill, 2010 for establishing a transnational university at Nalanda in Bihar. Nalanda was the site of one of the first great universities in recorded history. To revive the old glory of Nalanda University, India, along with 16 countries of East Asia, has joined hands to see Nalanda as “an icon of Asian renaissance”. Nalanda still has the ruins of the ancient University which, according to historical data, existed in the fifth century.
The proposed university would be an amalgam of ancient and modern thinking and will be guided by an interim governing board, chaired by Nobel laureate Prof. Amartya Sen.
The bill seeks to establish a teaching campus on 441 acres, whose architectural design would be chosen through an international competition. Prominent academicians would be involved in the university, which will help in “promotion of regional peace and vision by bringing together the future leaders of East Asia, who by relating to their past history can enhance their understanding of each others’ perspective and to share that understanding globally.”
Congress member Karan Singh, CPI(M) member Sitaram Yechury and BJP member Balapte recalled India’s rich contributions to the culture and civilisation of the world.
Mr Yechury said the purpose of establishing Nalanda University should not be for correcting the wrongs of history. “It should rather focus on building future,” he said.
Replying to the debate, minister of state for external affairs Preneet Kaur said: “Our focus has to be on Buddhist studies. A school of Buddhist studies has to be established.” She said the name and motto of the university will be decided by the group of mentors. The minister stressed on increasing the reach of the university beyond South Asia to countries across the world.
However, several members emphasised that the new Nalanda University should reflect the modern needs of the 21st century.
LJP member Ram Vilas Paswan said: “Buddham sharanam gachchami (I take refuge in the Buddha), alone will not suffice.”
Some members said the governing board should have intellectuals from the world of learning instead of bureaucrats.
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