Efforts to revive Nalanda University in Bihar got a major boost on Friday with Thailand extending $100,000 to the project and pledging more funds from the Thai private sector.

“The Government of Thailand has been delighted to present $100,000. 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 Ambassador to India, Mr Pisan Manawapat, said.

Thai Prime Minister, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, during her recent visit to India, had, in fact, encouraged Thai business companies here to donate for the project, said the Varsity's Vice-Chancellor, Ms Gopa Sabarwal.

She said the Thai Government has opened a special account for the Nalanda University and money has come in 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 contribution 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 in Bihar, where construction work has been initiated with erection of boundary wall.

Published on February 24, 2012