Chancellor Bhatkar’s first visit to Rajgir- Meeting with University Community, Bihar CM and attending campus construction commencement ceremony

March 6, 2017

Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Nalanda University’s Chancellor visited the University from February 28, 2017 to March 3, 2017 for interactions with Students, Faculty and Staff. During his visit to the University he also attended a function to mark the commencement of the construction of non-residential buildings on the main campus of the University.

Chancellor Bhatkar also met Shri Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar in Patna at the Chief Minister’s residence during this trip.

Interactions with the University Community

Upon his arrival in Rajgir on February 28, 2017, Chancellor Bhatkar met the Nalanda Community over dinner at Ajatshatru Residential Hall. 

Chancellor Bhatkar Meeting the University Community at Ajatshatru Residence Hall

Addressing the University Community, Dr. Bhatkar said that he felt privileged to be part of the dream to establish Nalanda as a centre of academic excellence. He also talked about how each member of the Community needs to contribute in order to co-create a holistic, humanistic and interdisciplinary environment that is required for a Nalanda of our times.

Over the next two days, Dr. Bhatkar also interacted with the faculty, students and staff in separate groups. 

Chancellor Bhatkar with University’s Administrative Staff 

Participation in ceremony to mark commencement of construction

On March 1, 2017, Dr. Bhatkar was the chief guest at a ceremony organised by NCC (Nagarjuna Construction Company-the firm which has been awarded the contract for construction works.) to celebrate the commencement of the construction of non-residential buildings on the Nalanda University Main Campus. 

Speaking on this occasion Dr. Bhatkar said, “I consider myself extremely privileged that I have been a part of this historic day and this sacred ceremony. I have seen the design of the building and I am confident that when it comes up you will see a resurrection of the old Nalanda in terms of the design. I am hoping that with the joint efforts of Vastu Shilpa Consultants, NCC, MECON, and the University, we will see a structure emerge within one year. “

Chancellor Bhatkar at the Ceremony to mark Commencement of Construction

Mr. Rajeev Kathpalia, Partner Vastu Shilpa Consultants (architect of the project), Mr. G. Ramakrishna Reddy Vice President NCC, and Mr. Rana Chakravaty General Manager MECON (Project Management Consultant for the project) attended the ceremony. 

The Nalanda District Magistrate Mr. Thiyagarajan SM, Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish, DSP and other senior officers of the District Aministration also attended the event.

Meeting with Bihar Chief Minister

Later in the day on March 1, 2017 Chancellor Dr. Bhatkar left for Patna for a meeting with Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar. 

Professor Pankaj Mohan the Interim Vice Chancellor and Mr. K. Chandramoorthi the Officiating Registrar of Nalanda University accompanied him for the meeting with Chief Minister.

Shri Chanchal Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Bihar Chief Minister, who is also a Governing Board member of Nalanda University was also present at the meeting. 

During the meeting Chancellor Dr. Bhatkar and Shri Nitish Kumar shared their respective vision for the University. Chief Minister, Shri Nitish Kumar assured his support for the University and project and expressed the hope that the University would reach out and create links with the neighbouring villages. Dr. Bhatkar shared that besides encouraging research and innovation at the University his priority would also be to make NU an institution which inspires students not only to get degrees, but to also respond to the needs of the world.  

Chancellor Bhatkar meeting Bihar Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar at his residence 

Visit to Nalanda Ruins and Bodh Gaya

Chancellor, Dr. Bhatkar also visited the Ancient Nalanda University ruins and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya during this trip.

Interacting with the media in Rajgir for the first time after becoming the Chancellor Dr. Bhatkar said that he would like Nalanda University to become a centre of excellence just like the ancient Nalanda and attract students from across the globe. 

Chancellor Bhatkar with Interim VC and Officiating Registrar at Nalanda Ruins

Chancellor Bhatkar’s visit to Bodh Gaya