Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar on Wednesday, following his trip to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. During this visit, he will inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. The event will witness the presence of several prominent personalities, including heads of missions from 17 countries.
As per a statement issued by the PMO, the university has been developed as a joint collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. The new campus features two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, accommodating approximately 1900 students. Additionally, it includes two auditoriums with a seating capacity of 300 each, a hostel and international center for 550 students, an amphitheater with a capacity of 2000, a faculty club, and a sports complex.
Nalanda University holds significant historical value. The original Nalanda University, founded around 1600 years ago, is regarded as one of the first residential universities in the world. In 2016, its ruins were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
PM Modi’s visit comes in the backdrop of controversial remarks made by Bihar’s JDU MP Devesh Thakur about the Yadav and Muslim communities in his Sitamarhi constituency. The JDU is an ally of the BJP in the NDA. Thakur, who recently won the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat, expressed disappointment over not receiving votes from Muslims and Yadavs, traditionally supporters of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD, and consequently stated he would not assist them. A video of his statement has gone viral. However, he assured respectful treatment to individuals from these communities if approached personally.
“I have made it clear that Yadavs and Muslims should not expect any help from me,” Thakur said, recounting a conversation with a Muslim visitor who regretted not supporting him due to his BJP affiliation.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bihar amid this controversy underscores the importance of the inauguration of the new Nalanda University campus, marking a significant step in the revival of education and cultural heritage.
