‘NALANDA’

 

 

 

 

 

NALANDA was not just any university in ancient India. It was for all practical, academic and spiritual purposes, it was also a symbol of India’s refined civilisational persona, and an indicator that India would always be at the global forefront -- on the strength of the knowledge society it built over thousands of years with much devotion and dedication. Nalanda might have been a symbol of the country’s innate spiritual strength once upon a time. But its revival now points to a great and bright future -- in the sense it would act as a reminder of the country’s basic commitment to the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- acting as a truly global institution. It is not without reason, therefore, that Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi termed the event of relaunch of the Nalanda University after 800+ years as the launch of a ‘Golden Age’ for the country -- and for the world. Of course, Nalanda in ancient times was much more than a university per se. It was a signature of India’s quest for knowledge and its dissemination to everybody who wished to elevate himself or herself. During its long years of existence, Nalanda did display different influences in its overall system of education, all right. Yet, the core value of acquisition of knowledge in all its forms and ideological facets remained unaltered.

 

That was the reason why Nalanda University of the past became an institution of such an importance -- for India and for the world. A similar development is expected now as the Nalanda University has been revived. This is only a physical revival, so to say. But there is every reason to believe that this would act as a starting point of a new educational and spiritual journey of India into a very wonderful ‘Golden Age’. It is not difficult to imagine how that Golden Age would look like or be like. At least in India, there is no vagueness on this point. The India of today has a fairly detailed idea of the picture of Nalanda University say a hundred years hence. The Prime Minister’s speech communicated this feeling in the most proper manner. The world knows how invaders of those times in the past destroyed Nalanda University and its iconic library -- whose books were on full-flame fire for over six months -- having been consigned to flames by the cruel invaders. The demonic men knew that India’s actual strength was in its knowledge core and base. Hence the destruction of the centre of knowledge -- with a rare yet characteristic sense of vengeance and cruelty.

 

In such cases, bygones cannot be said as bygones and so forgotten. Nalanda University in its new avatar is going to be a place of virtue, values and verve of a vibrant Indian society that would assume global leadership and show the path of refinement and spiritual upliftment to the rest of the world. The confidence Mr. Narendra Modi expressed in this regard will never be misplaced -- since the nation is committed to achieving that sublime goal. Of course, the task is never easy -- with multiple challenges confronting the new institution. If the people running the revived Nalanda International University remain as fiercely committed to avowed goal as their predecessors used to be, then a genuine revival of the spirit of Nalanda would be possible in the realm of practicality (and not remain restricted to a poetic domain). The institution will also have to be kept away from political influences and interference. It means the institutional leadership will have to be in the hands of persons who would accept no compromise whatsoever under any pretext. Will this ever be possible? -- is the question that needs to be asked and answered.