“Well then, tell me this—what is the present state of the Nalanda University?”

“Nalanda is now a vast institution. From the old Bargaon all the way to Rajgriha, the buildings and hostels of the university stretch unbroken. Nowhere else in the world is there another institution like it for the study of philosophy and history. Students come here to study from Europe, America, Japan, Africa, Australia—from every corner of the globe. The world’s largest museum of ancient artifacts is here. The arrangements for teaching and learning ancient scripts and languages are the finest to be found anywhere.

By the order of the ‘Universal Union’, not only is material related to the history of India collected here, but also countless resources concerning Rome, Greece, Egypt, Assyria, Chaldea, Mexico, and many others. Nalanda takes pride in having greatly aided the presentation of international history. The study of philosophy at Nalanda is conducted in the most excellent manner. There are provisions for the study of all philosophies—modern, ancient, Eastern, and Western. Our professors are great scholars of philosophy. There are teachers here for Sanskrit, Pali, Zend, Prakrit, Greek, Latin (Roman), and many other languages.

A true revolution has taken place in the study of languages. For each language, an appropriate environment for study has been created. Students with a special interest in particular languages are kept here in such a way that their connection with other languages is almost entirely severed. All their conversations take place in that language alone. The names of objects and so forth are explained by the teachers through demonstrations, all in the target language. In this way, within three years, the students gain mastery over the language.

The study of astronomy, too, is best conducted at Nalanda in all of India. On the Vaibhara Hill of Rajgriha stands the university’s great observatory. Our institution has contributed to the growth of astronomical literature as well. The universities of ‘Nalanda’ and ‘Takshashila’ in India are among the foremost seats of learning in the world.”

"Takshashila has earned great renown in the sciences of Ayurveda, botany, zoology, and others."

"What is the duration of study in the school? What are the rules and the examination system like?"

"Seventeen years of study are compulsory for everyone. This rule is the same not only for India but for all the schools across the globe. In the third year, a child is admitted to the kindergarten. After that, for six years, he attends the infant class; from six to fourteen, the children's class; and from fourteen to twenty, the youth class. Generally, education ends here. After this, boys take up different professions according to their inclinations and abilities. However, those whose inclination is found to be towards scholarship are given further opportunities to enhance their expertise in their chosen field. This period usually lasts from four to six years. But there is no fixed duration for this. Even after this, those who continue their studies have full opportunity to advance further.

In this way,