PATNA, May 23 -- After a long wait, Nalanda University in Rajgir has got a regular vice chancellor. Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a New Delhi-based think tank, assumed charge as the VC on Wednesday. Since May 2023, after the end of an extended six-year tenure of Prof Sunaina Singh as VC, Prof Abhay Kumar Singh, professor & dean, School of Historical Studies, was the interim VC of the NU. Incidentally, Sunaina Singh had also taken over the charge of the institution in May 2017 from an interim VC amid complete change of its governing board. The fresh constitution of the governing board is also due. On June 19 last year, PM Modi had inaugurated the new campus of the University near Rajgir, which is located close to the site of the ancient ruins of Nalanda. The design and architectural elements of the new 455-acre campus are inspired by the original monasteries and buildings at the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. Chaturvedi, an economist and policy thinker, takes over the reins of the varsity at a time when it has its state of the art campus ready and is expected to live up to the expectations with which it was set up in 2014 to revive the glory of ancient Nalanda as the knowledge hub for the world. In his address, Chaturvedi referred to the University's guiding motto "Aano Bhadrah Kratavo Yantu Vishwatah", saying, "This verse connects us with our eternal values. Nalanda has always embodied an open and inclusive intellectual tradition, fostering a vibrant dialogue rooted in Indian scholarship and enriched by a global outlook." Chaturvedi, who is also Independent Director on the Board of Reserve Bank of India, has played a leading role in the fields of development economics, South-South cooperation, and policymaking, said an NU communique. He has authored more than 22 books, established platforms such as NeST and FIDC, and brought global recognition to India's perspective on international forums. Referring to PM Modi's recent visit to Nalanda, he said, "The Prime Minister's visit has brought new energy to the University's future direction. It is a testament to the continued inspiration that Nalanda's legacy holds, particularly in the Asian context." Expressing his faith in the transformative power of education, he stated, "... I view education as a powerful tool for transformation. At Nalanda, our endeavour will be to make India's knowledge tradition impactful and socially relevant." Describing his new role as a matter of pride and honour, he said, "Contributing to the revival and growth of Nalanda is a great privilege. I look forward to working collaboratively with all, and I am confident that through our collective efforts, Nalanda will emerge as a vibrant centre of global discourse."...