New Delhi: Literary Club of Jamia Hamdard organised a Book Release Function and a discussion on the contributions of Nalanda Mahavihara in shaping our modern world at Hakeem Abdul Hameed Auditorium, Jamia Hamdard here on April 22.
The distinguished guests and dignitaries were warmly welcomed by Prof. Reshma Nasreen, DSW, Jamia Hamdard.
Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, speaking after releasing the book Nalanda: How it Changed the World by author and diplomat Mr. Abhay K., IFS, Deputy Director General, ICCR said, “Nalanda’s contributions are immense. If Aryabhata was not there, there would be no zero, no algorithm. We cannot imagine our modern world without these vital contributions of Nalanda. I commend Mr. Abhay K. for writing this fascinating book. It is his extraordinary contribution to bring Nalanda back to public discourse.”
He recalled watching a movie titled Johny Mera Naam starring Dev Anand and Hema Malini in which the ruins of Nalanda University were featured.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Abhay K., IFS, Deputy Director General, ICCR, speaking at the event, which coincided with Earth Day celebrations, shared his Earth Anthem, which he wrote in 2008 inspired by the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and how Nalanda Mahavihara was truly a living example of this philosophy, welcoming students and teachers from all across the world. He highlighted the contributions of Nalanda in the field of mathematics, astronomy, medicine, alchemy, philosophy, poetry, interdisciplinary learning, among other fields and shared that modern educational institutions can learn a lot from the best practices of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, viz. interdisciplinary learning, creating hostel facilities, libraries, focusing on knowledge acquisition, attracting students and faculty from all corners of the globe, providing full scholarships to talented students, among others.
He added that Nalanda University has been revived in recent times and the new University campus was inaugurated in Rajgir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024. He informed that there are a number of institutions across the world named after Nalanda that have been set up in the 20th and 21st century, which proves that the idea of Nalanda as a giver of knowledge, never died, rather it continues to thrive and grow.
The event was attended by faculty members, students, and officials of Jamia Hamdard.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Khursheed Ahmad Ansari, President, Literary Club, Jamia Hamdard.
