The ancient Nalanda University, which functioned from 413 AD to 1193 AD, was renowned internationally as a centre of learning and attracted research scholars from all over the world. It was destroyed in the 12th century by an invading Turkish army.
For now, classes are being held at a conference centre about 100 kms from the state capital of Patna, but in about three years, the university will move to Rajgir, 12 kms from where the original once stood proud.
Taking inspiration from erstwhile Nalanda Mahavihara, which was reduced to ruins hundreds of years ago by foreign invaders, a 21st century varsity conceptualized with the same philosophy is all set to start its inaugural classes, just 12km from the ancient site, from September 1. The Nalanda University administration says it will not be a run-of-the-mill institution and the mission rather is to make it "the Nalanda of our times".
The revival of the university was mooted by former president APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006.
From over 1,000 applicants, just 15 have been accepted so far for two disciplines - Historical Sciences and the School of Environment and Ecology. Defending the tiny student population, Vice Chancellor Gopa Sabharwal said, "We are a research university and we wanted only the best."
"I think this university will offer an excellent research opportunity and that's why I am here," said Jyotirmayee, a research scholar from Vijaywada.
Foreign students include a Bhutan University dean on study leave and a postgraduate in Buddhist Studies from Japan
The formal inauguration of the university will be held later this month by Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.
The fully-residential university, to be completed by 2020, will eventually have seven schools, all for post-graduate and doctoral students, offering courses in science, philosophy and spirituality, and social sciences. Each discipline will have a maximum of 20 students.
The orientation programme for the students will be held on August 29 at the Rajgir's signature building, International Convention Centre. "It will be an interaction among the students and faculty members and they'll also get to know the expectations from one another," Sabharwal said, adding postgraduate classes of both the schools would be conducted in two rooms of the convention centre.
While the 455-acre permanent campus of NU is yet to see any construction work except a boundary wall, a run-down SDO office near the Rajgir bus stand is being renovated to serve as a temporary campus housing classrooms, offices and semi-furnished residences for faculty members.
For now, students will be lodged in a state government hotel adjacent to the convention centre. "We've hired 40 rooms and three suites which will be used as a temporary hostel for students and guesthouse for visiting faculty members. One floor of the hotel will be for boys while another for five girl students," the VC said. The university will also run a mess at the hotel for students and faculty members.
It will be a five-day week for the faculty at NU. But the VC says the administration will not micromanage the classes. "If students feel like studying on a Saturday or Sunday and teacher is fine with it, classes would be held on weekends too," Sabharwal said.
The tuition fee for PG courses is Rs three lakh per annum and the administrative charges round up to about Rs 75,000 besides costs related to boarding and lodging. The pioneering batch students, however, will have to pay only 50% of the tuition fee. According to sources, the faculty members are to get a pay package ranging from $20,000 to 50,000 per annum each.
While the 455-acre permanent campus of NU is yet to see any construction work except a boundary wall, a run-down SDO office near the Rajgir bus stand is being renovated to serve as a temporary campus housing classrooms, offices and semi-furnished residences for faculty members.
For now, students will be lodged in a state government hotel adjacent to the convention centre. "We've hired 40 rooms and three suites which will be used as a temporary hostel for students and guesthouse for visiting faculty members. One floor of the hotel will be for boys while another for five girl students," the VC said. The university will also run a mess at the hotel for students and faculty members.
It will be a five-day week for the faculty at NU. But the VC says the administration will not micromanage the classes. "If students feel like studying on a Saturday or Sunday and teacher is fine with it, classes would be held on weekends too," Sabharwal said.
The tuition fee for PG courses is Rs three lakh per annum and the administrative charges round up to about Rs 75,000 besides costs related to boarding and lodging. The pioneering batch students, however, will have to pay only 50% of the tuition fee. According to sources, the faculty members are to get a pay package ranging from $20,000 to 50,000 per annum each.
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