After an eight-year hiatus, Bihar is poised to once again participate in the Republic Day celebrations of 2025, with a tableau that promises to captivate the nation. The theme chosen by the state is one that resonates with both historical grandeur and modern significance: The Glorious History of Nalanda University and its revival through the New Campus at Rajgir.
This marks a pivotal moment for Bihar, as the state embraces its rich intellectual past while celebrating its forward-thinking efforts to rejuvenate an ancient educational institution of global repute. The tableau will be a dynamic representation of Bihar’s ancient educational glory through a juxtaposition of the ruins of Nalanda University and the newly constructed, state-of-the-art campus situated near the ancient site in Rajgir. This grand return to the Republic Day parade will be a visual spectacle that connects the past with the present, in alignment with the Government of India’s overarching theme for 2025: Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas (Golden India: Heritage and Development). The theme was chosen to symbolise the seamless integration of India’s rich heritage with the country’s ongoing progress and modernisation, which Bihar’s tableau perfectly encapsulates. Bihar has not showcased its tableau at the Republic Day parade since 2016, when the theme revolved around Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha.
This long break from the national stage has only heightened the anticipation surrounding Bihar’s return in 2025. The state’s tableau is expected to stand as a testament to both the revival of Nalanda University and Bihar’s commitment to restoring its legacy as a hub of education and knowledge.
The selection of the theme is symbolic, as it speaks to a larger movement spearheaded by both the Bihar government and the central government to restore Nalanda University to its former glory. The ruins of Nalanda, once a leading center of learning and a UNESCO World Heritage site, continue to be a source of immense pride for the people of Bihar. However, the establishment of a modern campus near the heritage site symbolises a bold new chapter for one of the oldest universities in the world.
Comments