People living in the vicinity of Vikramshila Maha Vihar are geared up to sway to the tunes of a song composed by local musicians to glorify the illustrious past of the ancient seat of learning.

The song, Vikramshila Gaurav Geet, will be released on the occasion of the three-day Vikramshila Mahotsav to be held from April 18.

“Viramshila Gaurav Geet is a song composed by some musicians from Kahalgaon. It narrates the importance of the world university as well as its historic significance,” said Sanjay Kumar, the sub-divisional officer of Kahalgaon.

Though the officer refused to divulge details about the song, he expressed satisfaction with the residents’ eagerness to be a part of the festival.

Bhagalpur district magistrate Narmadeshwar Lal said: “This time, the local administration and the residents are working together to make the festival a success. Artistes from areas in and around the place as well as from outside would take part in the festival and showcase their skills. Besides, a number of seminars will be held during the event.”

A section of the residents and members of the Vikramshila Nagarik Samiti hoped the condition of the ancient site could be improved by organising such festivals. Vikramshila Nagarik Samiti is a citizens’ group that has been fighting for the causes of the university.

“The involvement of residents is a positive sign and it will bolster our movement for improvement of the site of learning,” said N.K. Jaiswal, the convener of the group.

“The administration has been conducting Vikramshila Mahotsav since 2008. But the way they did it was a mere formality. They never paid attention to the basic problems of the area. We are happy to see that the residents are so interested about the festival this time. Their participation will certainly spread a positive message to all sections of society,” he added.

Jaiswal, however, took a dig at the government for allegedly neglecting the site of learning.

Pawan Kumar Choudhary, an expert on Vikramshila, alleged that the site was not attracting adequate visitors because of the step-motherly attitude of the government. “The government has not attached Vikramshila to the Buddhist circuit. Besides, there is not enough and proper information about Vikramshila in government tourism centres in New Delhi, Calcutta, Patna and Gaya among other cities,” he said.

Choudhary, however, added that Vikramshila has of late started receiving foreign tourists even as they face several problems because of the lack of basic infrastructure like link roads.