Nalanda : On brink of resurrection

"Run... It's time to flee!!" wept a Buddhist monk while approaching his Brahmin colleague. He advised, "Pandit ji, abandon your chore and leave this place! Khilji's soldiers are on the way! Nalanda, alas! our own Nalanda is deemed to be devastated!!". And the Bhikkhu left for Tibet.

Bakhtiyar Khilji in the early 12th century, plundered the then world class and state of art Nalanda University. Shared Knowledge system of centuries was destroyed. Hindus, Buddhist and Jain scholars used to teach and research at Nalanda for centuries. But Khilji deteriorated that legacy. It is said in lores that the university was so magnificent, that it took almost 3 months to burn the books in the library!! But to be honest, I don't think the Nalanda burnt off in just 3 months. She kept on burning. A flame of sorrow must be there inside the ruins of Nalanda especially when she witnessed the poverty and illiteracy in the region...

In fact the revival of Nalanda could be accomplished during the early days of independence. The first IIT, IIM or AIMs could have built there. But the first Prime Minister of India, who distanced himself from Somnath reconstruction lacked a revivalist vision. 

This vision of reviving Nalanda was put forth by an ignited mind, Abdul Kalam. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, in 2006, while addressing the Bihar assembly, had proposed the Nalanda Revival plan. Then in 2010, the parliamentary consensus led to creation of Nalanda University on paper. But it took 4 years to have initial intake of 20 students. But unless there is a full fledged and dedicated campus constructed, how can it be said that the revival is complete?

So in 2017, the construction of a giant campus started and it was inaugurated by PM Modi in June 2024. I don't have even the slightest doubt that the Nalanda will regain its global aura shortly, for it's experience of getting resurrected thrice after 2 invasions by Huns and Gauda kings before Khilji. And the world will surely remember Mr. Kalam and PM Modi for this 4th resurrection. 

While we celebrate this reconstruction, the gloomy sighs can be heard from the North West. Chanakya's Takshashila still awaits to be heard and healed... Will Takshashila have the fortune of revival? Only time will answer that... Kalaay Tasmai Namah (Glory to time)

✍️Pratham Uvaach