Nalanda University reopens after nearly eight centuries

PATNA/RAJGIR: The dream project of Nalanda University (NU), aimed at reviving the glory of the erstwhile Nalanda Mahavihara, which was reduced to ruins by foreign invaders almost 800 years ago, was translated into reality on Monday as the varsity started its first session on Monday by holding the inaugural class. The project was conceptualized by former President APJ Abdul Kalam Kalam and former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in 2006.

The first day saw four study sessions for the students from 9am to 1.30pm, NU vice-chancellor Gopa Sabharwal told TOI. "The students had a chance to explore the neighbourhood during their three-day orientation programme earlier," she said. The first batch of the university is called the 'Nalanda Pioneers' by the administration.

Congratulatory messages started pouring in from early morning. Nobel laureate and NU chancellor Amartya Sen was the first to call up and wish good luck to the students. Members of NU governing body? Wang Bangwei, Wang Gungwu, N K Singh, George Yeo and Anil Wadhwa - also sent their laudatory and good luck wishes to the students and the faculty members. "Congratulations. Indeed a moment of great satisfaction," Singh's message read.