President Kalam Leaves his Mark on Bihar
Patna: February 8, 2008
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Kalam in Bihar
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Photo by Shashi Uttam |
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Former President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, after returning from Rajgir on Friday where he had gone to survey the land for the ambitious Nalanda International University, held a meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other top officials to discuss the future of Nalanda International University.
"In the ancient days, the Nalanda University imparted education to people from all over the world while spreading the message of peace among all. The proposed Nalanda International University should strive to restore that pride while making itself a symbol of knowledge and hope across the globe," President Kalam said.
Dr. Kalam also suggested building a science and Technology Park, a cultural park, and a peace park within the proposed campus while providing full degree courses and science and liberal art faculties.
The Chief Minister said the government would immediately release Rs. 80 crore for the construction of the university building and its boundary walls and hoped classed would begin as early next fall.
Besides Kumar, others who were present at the meeting including the Education Minister Brishan Patel, Nalanda International University president Dr. Y. S. Rajan, State Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson N. K. Singh, Chief Secretary R. J. M. Pillai and a host of other officials.
Kalam, in the afternoon, flew to Paliganj where he mingled with the farmers and listened to their concerns while offering them advises on improving the farming of aromatic and herbal plants to make it a lucrative and profitable industry.
Later the former President met with a large group of students at the S. K. Memorial Hall where he answered their questions while exhorting them to become good students in an attempt to raise the standard of education in the state.
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