INDIA - Singapore to play important role in setting up of Nalanda Uni in India

Channel NewsAsia, 13 November 2006

SINGAPORE: The Indian government plans to revive one of its biggest universities in ancient times and is seeking Singapore's help to do so.

Once a renowned centre for Buddhist scholarship from the 5th till 12th Century, the Nalanda University now lies in ruin.

Buddhist pilgrimages are gaining popularity, and interest in visiting holy sites in India is likely to increase.

The Indian government is gearing up to meet this increase by channelling over US$1b to promote its Buddhist circuits.

Central to its plans is the development of a new 600-acre Nalanda University at the Indian state of Bihar.

In a video link address, India's President Abdul Kalam set his vision for the university as a centre for learning and promotion of peace.

Indian officials said the challenges ahead include curriculum planning and the availability of resources.

They hope to establish an international consortium to get the project going, and could use Singapore's help.

>>Full article