Reopening of Nalanda University in Bihar
By: Tyler Peterson May. 13, 2015
Today the scenario of education in Bihar might not look as it was myriads of years ago. Bihar is a state which is blessed with abundant minerals and resources but improper governance lead to the deterioration of the state instead of improving it. When it comes to education Bihar is still lagging behind a lot from rest part of the world in case of education. However, to take a look back at the rich culture and heritage of the country especially Bihar, one will realise that it was the hub for education when most of the countries were oblivious of it.
Universities like Nalanda and Vikramshila are the evidence of rich antiquity of Bihar. Thus, in the 2006, the issue to revive Nalanda University came up. Various South East Asian countries too helped India in retaining the University back from its ruins. A lot of funds were collected and meetings were held. Finally, the board was set up and in September 2014 Nalanda University commenced its first class after 800 years. Application poured in from all over the world. There were all total 1,000 applicants from which only 15 students were selected. There are 11 teachers at present who are looking after the subjects to be taught in the institution. Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has been chosen as the chairman of the governing body of the University. However, recently he wrote an open letter in which he divulged his regrets from getting associated with this project. Moreover, he would be leaving the position in June 2015 as according to him Central Government is purposefully not renewing his contract.Videos