Nava Nalanda Mahavihara

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM) is a distinguished deemed university located in Nalanda, Bihar, India. Established in 1951 under the guidance of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, NNM was envisioned as a revival of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, which stood as a beacon of learning between the 5th and 12th centuries CE.

Historical Background

The ancient Nalanda Mahavihara was one of the world’s first residential universities and a renowned Buddhist monastery that attracted scholars from various parts of Asia. It was established during the Gupta period and flourished under various dynasties before being destroyed in the 12th century. Nava Nalanda Mahavihara seeks to revive this lost tradition of academic excellence and spiritual learning.

Academic Programs

NNM offers a broad spectrum of academic programs focused on Indian and Buddhist studies:

• Undergraduate:
  B.A. (Hons.) in Pali

• Postgraduate (M.A.):
  Pali, Philosophy, Ancient History, Culture & Archaeology, Buddhist Studies, Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Tibetan Studies

• Doctoral (Ph.D.):
  Programs in Pali, Philosophy, History, and other disciplines

• Diploma and Certificate Courses:
  Offered in Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, Buddhist Heritage & Tourism, Vipassana and Yoga

Campus and Facilities

Nestled near the historic Indrapuskarani lake, the NNM campus covers approximately 79 acres and is located around 100 kilometers from Patna. The serene and scholarly environment supports a range of modern and traditional educational facilities, including:

• Library:
  Housing over 60,000 books and rare manuscripts on Buddhist and ancient Indian literature

• Hostels:
  Separate accommodations for male and female students with modern amenities

• Sports and Recreation:
  Indoor and outdoor sports facilities, gymnasium, and boating club

• Technology Infrastructure:
  Wi-Fi campus, computer labs, and multimedia-equipped seminar halls

Admissions and Scholarships

Admissions are merit-based and typically include a written proficiency test and personal interview. Scholarships are offered based on academic excellence and are also available for foreign students through governmental academic exchange programs.

Vision and Mission

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara aims to be a global hub for Buddhist studies and interdisciplinary research. Its mission is to preserve and promote ancient Indian educational traditions while adapting to the needs of modern academia. The university emphasizes global academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and the integration of spiritual knowledge with scholarly pursuits.