Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo
who is in New Delhi, has said that Singaporeans, especially those in
the Buddhist community are likely to raise S$5-10 million towards the
Nalanda University.Sited in Bihar near where an ancient university flourished centuries
ago, Nalanda University, seen as a symbol of global cooperation in
education will be a centre for Buddhist studies, philosophy and
comparative literature, historical studies and ecology and
environmental studies.
Sited in Bihar near where an ancient university flourished centuries
ago, Nalanda University, seen as a symbol of global cooperation in
education will be a centre for Buddhist studies, philosophy and
comparative literature, historical studies and ecology and
environmental studies.
Mr Yeo who is a member of the Nalanda Mentor Group (NMG) said he's had
talks with some leaders of Singapore's Buddhist community.
The sixth meeting of the Nalanda Mentor Group was also told by Mr Yeo
that there's in-principle support from Singapore's Buddhist leaders to
help raise funds for the construction of the Nalanda University
Library, once plans for the new university were drawn up and approved.
Mr Yeo gave the update at the meeting chaired by Professor Amartya Sen
to discus the implementation framework and operations for the Nalanda
University, including appointments to steer the University and project.
The government of Bihar in eastern India, has set aside some 500 acres
of land for the university campus and has drawn up plans for a new
international airport, roads, other infrastructure and ancillary
services in support of the university.
During his visit to New Delhi, Mr Yeo also met his counterpart, India's
Minister of External Affairs, S.M Krishna, and discussed a wide-range
of issues including ties between India and Singapore and between India
and ASEAN, as well as regional security interests.
There were also meetings scheduled with India's Minister of Home
Affairs, P.Chidambaram, and Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr
Kamal Nath, both of whom Mr Yeo has known for many years.