The upcoming Nalanda University at Rajgir, 110 km from Patna, is now totally rudderless. Days after the removal of founder Chancellor Amartya Sen and two other members of the governing board, its Chancellor George Yeo has also resigned alleging Government intervention in the affairs of the autonomous institution being raised on international standards.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who played a key role in the revival of the world’s ancient academic institutions, now preserved as ruins of Nalanda, on Friday expressed serious concern and pain over the turn of events in Nalanda University and particularly the resignation of Yeo, a former Foreign Minister of Singapore.
“The turn of events has created an atmosphere of uncertainty leading to speculations which way this University is going. If all the intellectuals associated with it since inception will go away then the basic concept of ‘Idea of Nalanda’ will be badly hit,” said Nitish while leaving for Rajgir to attend a cultural event there.
The CM said the work on revival of Nalanda had been started at the initiative of Bihar Government and in the interest of its historical and global importance. He praised the role of Amartya Sen and Yeo in the efforts.
Nitish urged the Centre to initiate immediate corrective steps to maintain the importance of Nalanda University and its values. “Our Government is committed for its revival and all help are being accorded,” he added.