Singapore: External Affairs Minister S M
Krishna on day heaped praises on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish
Kumar, lauding him for his foresight and efforts to revive the
ancient Nalanada University.
"We are indeed fortunate as today's Bihar is looking
forward. Today's Bihar leadership is a forward looking
leadership," Krishna said.
Speaking on the concept of Nalanda University at the
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, he said,
"A leadership with a foresight, and particularly the chief
minister of Bihar Mr Nitish Kumar has been one of the most
ardent supporters of this concept of Nalanda University."
Krishna was addressing a gathering of 100 academics
and diplomats at the unveiling of the bust of Gurudev
Rabindranath Tagore.
Praising the JD(U) leader, he said, "I am sure that
under his (Nitish Kumar) guidance in Bihar and with the
government of India's total commitment to the Nalanda
University concept, Nalanda will come to being a reality much
sooner than we anticipate."
Krishna also praised the Nalanda University mentors,
Noble Laureate Professor Amartya Sen and Singapore's foreign
minister George Yeo.
"I would be failing in my duty if I do not recall the
other two moving forces behind the Nalanda University complex
as mentors," he said.
"Both of them have taken this concept of Nalanda with
a passion as their mission in life, and we are indeed greatful
to both of them," he stressed.
Krishna also wished all the best to Mr Yeo, who is
locked in one of the most fiercely contested election with an
opposition political group for re-election from his Aljunied
Group Representation Constituency this Satuday.
"I wish him all the best," said Krishna to Yeo.
He also appreciated Sen's efforts, who recently took
"the pains to go to Bihar to see for himself where the
proposed Nalanada University is going to come up."
Krishna unveiled the bust of Tagore on his 150 birth
anniversary and presented it to the Indian Heritage Centre of
Singapore, which would be opening in two years.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, May 05, 2011, 17:40