Bihar’s Republic Day Tableau Highlights Ancient Nalanda and Buddha’s Legacy
Patna: Bihar’s tableau at the upcoming Republic Day parade in New Delhi highlights the state’s ancient legacy of knowledge and peace, featuring the historic Nalanda Mahavihara and modern efforts to revive its educational heritage. The display also showcases the eco-tourism initiative at Ghora Katora Lake, home to a 70-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha, symbolizing Bihar’s commitment to preserving its cultural and environmental heritage.
At the forefront of the tableau is a depiction of the Bodhi tree, symbolizing the spread of knowledge from Bihar to the rest of the world. Behind it, the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara (University) represent the state’s historical prominence as a center of learning, attracting scholars from China, Japan, and Central Asia. The tableau underscores the Bihar government’s ongoing efforts to conserve this ancient site, preserving its significance as a symbol of India’s knowledge tradition.
In addition to highlighting Nalanda’s ancient ruins, the tableau celebrates the establishment of the International Nalanda University in Rajgir. Inaugurated on June 19, 2024, by the Prime Minister in the presence of the Chief Minister, the new campus is inspired by the architecture of the ancient university. Designed with features like the Sariputra Stupa, Gopuram entrance, and traditional verandahs, the university also stands as a modern example of environmental consciousness, being a carbon-neutral and net-zero campus.
The tableau also captures the development of Ghora Katora lake in Rajgir, an emerging eco-tourism destination. This serene reservoir is home to a 70-foot monolithic statue of Lord Buddha, established in 2018, which attracts millions of visitors each year.
With wall paintings and intricate depictions of Bihar’s rich heritage, the tableau reflects the state’s journey from its ancient roots as a land of knowledge to its modern aspirations of reclaiming global recognition in education and sustainable development.
