Rajgir: Nalanda University has inaugurated a new research complex bringing its five research centres under one roof, in an effort to strengthen research, policy studies and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Nalanda Shodha Vihara was inaugurated on Monday by Professor Arvind Panagariya, Chancellor of Nalanda University and chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, at the university campus in Rajgir, Nalanda.
The new complex will house the university’s six existing research centres, creating a common hub for research activities and collaboration across disciplines.
Panagariya Calls For Teaching-Research Synergy
Following the inauguration, Panagariya addressed students at a special lecture and interaction session at the Vishwamitralaya Auditorium.
He emphasised the close relationship between teaching and research, saying the two should progress together.
Panagariya encouraged students to pursue their chosen fields with dedication, develop expertise and work consistently towards excellence.
He also praised Nalanda University’s progress over a relatively short period and acknowledged the expansion of its faculty and student community.
The Chancellor also appreciated the university’s Sahabhāgitā initiative and its efforts to engage with communities and wider society.
The interaction allowed students to raise questions and share their ideas and perspectives directly with the Chancellor.
University Highlights Future Plans
Vice-chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi outlined the university’s academic and institutional activities, future plans and key initiatives during the opening session.
He also highlighted efforts to strengthen the university’s institutional database and expand opportunities for collaboration across different fields.
Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, assured the university of the ministry’s continued support for its academic, international and institutional engagements.
Meeting Reviews Long-Term Development
The inauguration followed a high-level meeting held at Nalanda University on Sunday, chaired by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).
The meeting focused on the university’s long-term development, including connectivity, the proposed Nalanda–Rajgir Knowledge & Innovation Campus, collaboration with Bihar’s higher education ecosystem and promotion of Nalanda’s intellectual and civilisational heritage.
Senior officials from the Union and state governments and the university participated in the discussions, including the Chancellor, Bihar’s chief secretary, the Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Vice-Chancellor.
The meeting also reviewed measures to strengthen Nalanda University as a global centre for knowledge, innovation and academic excellence.
Panagariya Delivers Lecture On State-Led Transformation
As part of the Nalanda–Lok Bhavan Lecture Series, Panagariya delivered a lecture on Sunday titled State-Led Transformation: Urbanization, Jobs and Reform Agenda for India’s States.
The lecture focused on state-level reforms, urbanisation, employment generation, governance, fiscal discipline and ease of doing business as key elements in India’s development journey.
The university said the latest initiatives were aimed at strengthening its research capabilities while deepening its academic, institutional and international engagement.
