Former Singapore Foreign Minister and the newly appointed Nalanda University (NU) Chancellor George Yeo today said the appointment is a "challenge" for him and it is important to have quality teachers, teaching staff and students at the international institution.
"Being appointed the Chancellor of NU is like a challenge for me. This is an international level university and the presence of quality teachers, teaching staff and students are important for it," Yeo said.
Yeo said Bihar was the land of Lord Buddha, Ashoka the Great and Chandragupta and NU would strive to maintain its message of "peace, co-existence and help."
He was speaking to reporters after an hour-long meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here where they discussed the work and progress of NU.
The NU Chancellor praised Kumar for his decision to establish the University and to revive the ancient glory of Nalanda as the centre of education in the world.
Meanwhile, Kumar expressed happiness over Yeo's appointment and said it would ensure continuity in the development of the University.
"Yeo has been associated with NU since it was conceptualised by the Bihar government. He will take charge from outgoing Chancellor Amartya Sen this month. He is in the know of progress made till now and it will help ensure continuity in the development of the university," Kumar said.
Expressing satisfaction on international tenders being invited for the construction of the university, the Chief Minister said the Centre had decided to make NU an international university.
"We will continue our support to NU. We have already provided land for its campus and infrastructure for its current functioning. We want the Centre, specially the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to fully cooperate in its progress," Kumar added.
NU vice-chancellor Gopa Sabharwal, Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of Education Department R K Mahajan and other officials were present at the meeting.
