Nalanda 2.0: Actions and Accomplishments from 2016 to 2024

Since establishing in 2016, Nalanda 2.0 has focused on a three-pronged action plan:

Raising Awareness and Building Consensus (Before a problem can be solved it must be first acknowledged):

1. Shail Kumar, Founder and President, Nalanda 2.0, authored the book Building Golden India: How to unleash India's vast potential and transform its higher education system. Now. (2015)

2. Nobel Laureate Prof. Randy Schekman presented this book to India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in 2017, leading to national recognition.

3. Nalanda 2.0 has delivered numerous presentations at universities, corporations, and conferences, reaching over 1,500 students, faculty members, and influencers.

4. The organization’s articles and blogs have garnered over 100,000 views and 10,000+ likes and shares.

Advocating for Policy-Level Change (Policy-level interventions can have a significant impact quickly and at a large scale):

1. Advocated for transformative educational reforms with key policymakers in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), NITI Aayog, and the National Education Policy (NEP) committee. Many incorporated into NEP that was approved in 2020.

2. In 2019, Nalanda 2.0 partnered with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to create a plan for transforming Delhi into a knowledge hub. However, the project was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in local government leadership.

Building a World-Class Multidisciplinary Research University in India (Implementing game changing ideas at the system and institutional level are critical):

1. In 2018, Nalanda 2.0 launched an initiative to establish a multidisciplinary research university in India, on par with great universities like Stanford, MIT, and Nalanda of ancient India. (note: initially the initiative was called University of the Future in India and was subsequently named Ekagrid)

2. Assembled a distinguished global advisory board, comprising over 25 leaders from academia and industry, with affiliations to 11 of the world’s top 25 research universities.

3. Formulated plans in 2019 to launch the university with an innovative AI+X strategy.

4. Established a Section 8 company in India and received 12A and 80G exemptions.

5. Negotiated a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka Government, securing approval for the university act and the purchase of 200 acres of land in Bengaluru.

6. Led escalations to the Prime Minister, and engaged with the PMO, Education Minister and seven state government officials to advance the university initiative.

7. Initiated efforts to raise US$150 million to launch the university, engaging over 50 philanthropists. However, the initiative was closed in 2024 due to insufficient political and philanthropic support.

With the insights gained since 2016, Nalanda 2.0 is now developing plans for 2025 and beyond. Stay tuned!