Tradition of Nalanda is firmly against divisiveness: Amartya Sen

NEW DELHI: The recently revived Nalanda University will depend on its "old glory" while embarking on its new journey in which attempts will be made to learn across the barriers of regions and countries, Amartya Sen said today.

"Integrated thought and profound global understanding marks tradition of Nalanda, which is firmly against divisiveness and is strong supporter of knowledge and enlightenment to all," the Nobel Laureate said.

He said that the revived university in Bihar will be unique and depend upon its "old glory" while it embarks upon its new journey.

"We will depend on the glory of old Nalanda...the flow of ideas and contact that brought people from all countries. The future of the Nalanda University cannot be independent of the values and commitment of the earlier institution that has evolved over a long past.Tradition of Nalanda is not only quality education but it was a matter of great importance of global cooperation and a systematic attempt to learn across the barriers of regions and country," Sen said.

The economist was delivering a lecture on "The relevance of Nalanda in the Contemporary World" organised by the university here.

Sen said that the decision to revive the more than 100-year-old university was taken in a joint initiative at East Asia summit some seven years ago, and the institution would help in promoting peace in the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President Hamid Ansari said that he had an incidental connection with Nalanda Project as the Bill for it came in Rajya Sabha for discussion and was passed.

The Vice-President also recalled his recent visit to X'ian city in China where he visited the Ancient Pagoda where thousands of manuscripts translated by Huensang (renowned student of the old Nalanda university) from Sanskrit to Chinese language, were on display.

Ansari said Nalanda University was the first institution of higher learning in the world.