### Education: The Path to Growth
Education helps us grow and achieve our dreams. It teaches us new things, makes us think deeply, and helps us find solutions to problems. With education, we can improve our lives and contribute positively to our communities. It preserves the wisdom of past generations and helps us build a better future.
### Introduction
Hi, everyone! I’m Upasana from *Apna Education Wala*. My goal is to share the rich heritage of Indian knowledge with you. Today, I want to tell you about Nalanda University, a remarkable learning center from ancient India. Although it was destroyed long ago, it has been revived by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Let’s explore its history, importance, and the amazing story of its rebirth.
### The Glory of Nalanda University
#### A Historical Treasure
Nalanda University is located in Rajgir, Bihar, India. It was a famous university from the 5th to the 13th century, built during the Gupta dynasty by Kumaragupta I. Students from India, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Korea, and Tibet came here to study, making it a true international learning hub.
#### Life at Nalanda
Imagine living like Nalanda, where about 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers lived together in a huge residential university. They studied subjects like science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy. Great scholars like Nagarjuna and Aryabhatta once walked the halls of Nalanda, making groundbreaking discoveries.
#### The Great Library
Nalanda had an incredible library, “Dharmaganja,” with three large buildings full of books: Ratnasagara (Ocean of Jewels), Ratnodadhi (Sea of Jewels), and Ratnaranjaka (Jewel-Adorned). It is said to have held around 90 lakh (9 million) books! When the library was set on fire, it burned for six months, a testament to the vast amount of knowledge it contained.
#### The Tragic Destruction
In the 13th century, an invader named Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked Nalanda. Jealous of the vast knowledge and treasures of the university, he burned the library and destroyed the campus. This tragic event ended an era of great learning and innovation.
### Revival of Nalanda University
The dream of reviving Nalanda University began on March 28, 2006, when Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, proposed its revival. In 2016, Nalanda University was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, it offers various courses like bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and doctorates in subjects such as ecology, historical studies, Buddhist studies, languages, and humanities. Getting admission is tough, with rigorous entrance exams and high academic requirements.
### Lessons from Nalanda University
Nalanda University teaches us the importance of preserving knowledge and fostering international cooperation. It reminds us of India’s rich educational heritage and the value of education in personal and societal growth. The revival of Nalanda is a proud moment for India, showing our commitment to honoring and restoring our cultural legacy.
### Conclusion
Nalanda University is not just a part of history; it’s a beacon of hope for the future. It shows the heights of academic excellence that India once achieved and continues to strive for. As we celebrate the revival of Nalanda, let’s take pride in our heritage and work towards making India a global leader in education again. Congratulations to everyone on this remarkable achievement, and may it inspire future generations to cherish and advance the pursuit of knowledge.