New Delhi: In a historic moment at the G20 Summit, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders to a special dinner hosted at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. Stealing the spotlight at the event was the iconic image of Nalanda University, serving as a backdrop to greet the esteemed G20 delegates.

Nalanda University: The ancient beacon of knowledge and wisdom

Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century, is hailed by historians as the world’s first residential university. Its rich legacy reflects ancient India’s dedication to disseminating knowledge and wisdom. At the ceremonial dinner, an image of Nalanda Mahavihara proudly showcased the G20 logo on one side, while India’s presidency theme, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – One Earth. One Family. One Future,” graced the other.

Cultural symbols adorn Delhi for the G20 Summit

The Indian government has strategically placed various cultural symbols across the national capital to enhance the summit’s ambiance. These symbols not only celebrate India’s heritage but also symbolize its commitment to fostering global cooperation.

Konark Sun Temple’s wheel replica welcomes G20 leaders

Earlier today, all eyes were on a replica of the wheel from the renowned Konark Sun Temple in Odisha’s Puri. This symbolic representation added grandeur to the G20 summit, becoming the backdrop for Prime Minister Modi’s warm welcome handshake with top world leaders.

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Nalanda University’s legacy: A testament to India’s educational advancement

Nalanda University’s historical significance is unparalleled. It operated from the 5th century to the 12th century, attracting scholars from India and beyond. Beyond Buddhism, the university imparted knowledge in diverse fields such as contemporary texts, philosophies, logic, grammar, science, and medicine. Its values of diversity, meritocracy, freedom of thought, collective governance, autonomy, and knowledge sharing align with the core principles of democracy.

Nalanda stands as a testament to India’s enduring commitment to advanced education and building a harmonious global community, perfectly in line with India’s G20 Presidency theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

The “excavated remains of Nalanda Mahavihara” are located approximately 88 km away from Patna in Bihar, making it a site of historical and cultural significance. As the G20 Summit unfolds, Nalanda University’s image serves as a reminder of India’s rich educational heritage and its role in shaping the future of global cooperation and knowledge exchange.