Patna: Governor Syed Ata Hasnain on Monday called for a long-term development strategy to transform Nalanda University into a globally recognised centre of knowledge, innovation and academic excellence, while strengthening its links with Bihar’s higher education ecosystem.
Chairing a high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan, Hasnain stressed the need to showcase Bihar’s intellectual talent and Nalanda’s civilisational legacy on national and international platforms.
The meeting, attended by Nalanda University Chancellor Arvind Panagariya, chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, former secretary (East) in the ministry of external affairs Rudrendra Tandon, vice-chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi, faculty members and senior officials, focused on improving road and rail connectivity to the university and accelerating Rajgir’s development as a knowledge and innovation city.
Hasnain said Bihar had no shortage of talent or intellectual capacity, but its achievements needed to be projected more effectively beyond the state. He called for systematic documentation of Nalanda’s history, knowledge traditions and civilisational heritage through articles, research-based content and other communication platforms.
He also reviewed the implementation of the Samarth portal at Nalanda University and emphasised the need for simple and accessible systems that would enable people to connect with the university and access its facilities and resources.
Advocating closer collaboration between the govt and academia, the governor suggested that more officials visit the university to understand its initiatives and explore areas for cooperation. He also urged universities across the state to encourage vice-chancellors and faculty members to participate in Nalanda’s workshops and academic programmes.
Tourism development in Rajgir and Bodh Gaya also figured in the discussions. Chief secretary Amrit said proposals for the development of both destinations had already been sent to the Centre. The meeting also discussed the preservation and promotion of manuscripts linked to Nalanda’s intellectual and civilisational heritage.
Vice-chancellor Chaturvedi outlined the university’s initiatives to establish Nalanda as a global hub of knowledge, innovation and quality education. The meeting underscored a broader vision of reconnecting modern Bihar with Nalanda’s historic legacy as one of the world’s foremost centres of learning.
