'Fire Can Burn Books, But Can't Destroy Knowledge': PM After Nalanda University's Historic Revival

Rajgir: After inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that 'fire can burn books but can't destroy knowledge,' underlining how invaders destroyed the ancient Nalanda University in the 1100s. 

Addressing the inaugural event at Bihar's Rajgir, PM Modi said, "It's a matter of great pleasure that I got to visit Nalanda within 10 days after swearing in as PM for the 3rd time. Nalanda is not just a name, it is an identity and respect. Nalanda is a value and mantra...fire can burn books but can't destroy knowledge."

“This new campus will give the world an example of India's potential. Nalanda will tell that nations which are based on strong human values know how to revive the past and lay the foundation for a better future.”

He added that the inauguration of Nalanda University is not just about the revival of Indian history but also linked with the legacy of many Asian countries. “The rebuilding of Nalanda is going to start the golden era of India...Nalanda's reawakening, this new campus, will give the world an introduction to India's capability.” 

PM Modi was accompanied by Bihar Governor Rajendra V Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the occasion. Before inaugurating the new campus, he visited the ‘Nalanda Mahavihara’, a UNESCO world heritage site located close to the varsity.

Nalanda University's Rich History 

The newly inaugurated campus is near the ancient ruins of Nalanda, a university established by the Nalanda University Act of 2010. The Act implemented a decision to establish the university made at the second East Asia Summit held in the Philippines in 2007. 

The ancient Nalanda University, which existed since the fifth century, attracted students worldwide. It flourished for 800 years before being destroyed by invaders in the 12th century.

The history texts prove that the institution was set afire by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turko-Afghan military general. The campus blaze reportedly raged for three months, reducing to ashes what was arguably the richest repository of Buddhist wisdom.