Delegates at the inauguration ceremony of Nalanda University on Friday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

The formal inauguration of Nalanda University on Friday was a day to rejoice for most people who have been associated with the rebirth of the ancient varsity over the past seven years.

Most stakeholders at the university, including faculty, students and foreign ambassadors seemed delighted, when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the varsity on Friday.

The Telegraph spoke to faculty members and students about their experience over the past three weeks at the highly celebrated university. Ambassadors from several East Asian countries also shared their views.

Above expectations

Laos (officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic) had contributed $15,000 for development of Nalanda University in 2012. This is the first time, I have come to Rajgir and I am more than satisfied with the way the university is coming up. I also loved Rajgir for its beautiful natural ambience

Phimpha Keomixay,

Counsellor, deputy chief of mission, Laos

Buddhist studies

This is my third visit to Rajgir and I also visited the ancient Nalanda University ruins. Though I am happy with the ongoing development of new Nalanda University, I believe that the school of Buddhist studies should soon start functioning because Vietnamese students prefer studying Buddhism. We have four academies in Buddhism in Vietnam but a research-based learning centre like Nalanda would be more preferable for higher studies among Vietnamese students

Bach Thanh Binh,

Counsellor, embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Environment focus

The Australian government has contributed funds to the tune of $1 million for setting up the School of Ecology and Environmental Studies. We are happy with the way the university is coming up and we also want to congratulate the members of Nalanda University, as well as the government of India and the state government. We are happy with the emphasis being put on environment at the varsity, including the eco-friendly proposed campus, and commencement of classes in the school of ecology

Bernard Philip

Deputy high commissioner, Australia

Research-oriented teaching

In the initial days of classes here, first, topics are being introduced to the students, the basics of the subject is being taught to build their foundation. Following lectures on the basics of the subject, discussions are held in the classroom and related assignments are being given to students thereafter. The entire approach for learning at the varsity is making it a research-oriented exercise for students. We want the students to be inquisitive. We want them to question everything, so as to widen their scope of learning

Mihir Deb

Acting Dean, School of Ecology and Environmental Studies

Interactive learning

We are having an inter-disciplinary research-oriented approach for teaching at Nalanda University. The teaching experience over the past three weeks has been really great. Lectures and discussions are going almost hand-in-hand and emphasis is also being put on personal needs of students through interactive learning. Being at Rajgir is an added advantage because this place is rich in history and culture. It is in fact, a good place for learning right from the basics

S. Mukherjee

Assistant professor, School of Historical Studies

Virgin texts

At present, we are being asked to read virgin texts. Meaning, the literary pieces by famous people, mostly related to history. For instance, we are being asked to read original texts written by Karl Marx and not any of his interpretations. With regard to field visits, we were taken to Nalanda ruins, Patna Museum and Bodhgaya

A student