The boundary wall being constructed at the Nalanda University site. Telegraph picture

New Delhi, Feb. 24 (PTI): Efforts to revive the Nalanda University got a major boost today with Thailand extending $1,00,000 to the project. The country also pledged more funds from the Thai private sector.

“The government of Thailand has been delighted to present $1,00,000. One Thai company made an initial investment of $5,000. I have informed the university vice-chancellor that four other companies have followed suit,” Thai amba- ssador to India Pisan Manawapat said.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, during her recent visit to India, had, in fact, encouraged the Thai companies here to donate for the project, said the varsity’s vice-chancellor Gopa Sabharwal.

She said the Thai government has opened a special account for the Nalanda University and the money has been deposited there.

Piloted by the ministry of external affairs, the Nalanda University revival project has been gaining steam in the past few years with the enactment of a law to give the varsity a stand-alone status with special provisions.

“We would like to remain engaged in our support of the Nalanda University because we believe that this is a wonderful project to revive one of the oldest universities,” the Thai ambassador said.

China had contributed $1 million last year to the Nalanda project, where construction has been initiated with the erection of boundary wall.

Talking about the close association with the project, the Thai ambassador said: “We hope to be able to play an active role in the governing board when it is set up. The Thai side would also like to see a Thai fund that will support studies and enhance the cordial relationship between Thailand and India,” the envoy said.

The vice-chancellor said a global design compe- tition for selecting the architecture would be launched soon. The university will start with two schools — Historical Studies and Environment and Ecology — for which the academic planning and resource building has been initiated, the vice-chancellor said.