Nalanda University adds 4 new PG courses, V-C says reinforcing its role as centre of high learning
Nalanda University Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi has announced four new postgraduate courses in economics, hindi, mathematics and philosophy, taking the total PG programmes to 12.
Chaturvedi, who is also the Director General of Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), joined as the university's V-C last month.
He said, 'Expansion of courses are meant to expand academic scope and reinforce NU's role as a premier centre of research and high learning.'
The new courses are in consonance with the blended vision of ancient and new Nalanda universities to focus on mathematics and philosophy.
Meanwhile, Hindi has been added as part of the Central government's thrust to promote mother tongue, and economics is added as per the V-C's vision.
'The spirit of Nalanda has evolved as a vibrant expression of continuous engagement with eternal values and the civilisational ethos of the east. It embodies a rich intellectual tradition, marked by openness, inclusivity and a globally oriented outlook. Building upon this legacy, the vision for the new Nalanda is shaped by a forward-looking blueprint rooted in integrative wisdom. It draws inspiration from an eastern worldview in which faith, intellectual inquiry and material well-being are not regarded in isolation, but as deeply interwoven dimensions of holistic human existence.'
The previous PG courses included historical studies, ecology and environment studies, Buddhist studies, comparative religions, Hindu studies (Sanatana Dharma), world literature, archaeology, international relations and peace studies, and MBA in sustainable development and management.
NU, established under Nalanda University Act, 2010, started functioning from 2014 with two PG courses having only 12 students. PM Narendra Modi formally inaugurated NU campus — spread over 455 acres at Rajgir foothills — last year.
Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
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