Ancient Nalanda University, which once attracted students from across the world, was on Friday formally inaugurated in its modern avatar by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here.
Hailing the occasion, Swaraj said as in the past the university will serve as a ‘bridge and foundation’ in linking the country with the world through knowledge.
“It is wrong to say that today we are rejuvenating the 427 AD Nalanda University because tradition never dies... Nalanda is not just a university but a tradition. It is a link between the past, present and future,” Swaraj said.
Nalanda University was deeply etched in history and like in ancient times will serve as a magnet to attract students from across the globe, Swaraj said, adding during her recent visit to Bangladesh she found people there were interested in it.
Seeing the ‘tremendous response’ to the university, it has now been decided that it will not be confined only to east Asian nations but would be opened to students from other countries too, she said.