President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said universities and institutions of higher learning must be bastions of free speech and expression and debates should be encouraged. He said modern Nalanda University (NU) should, like the ancient one, be the place for free-exchange of ideas and viewpoints, keeping aside all narrowness, and encourage open debate and discussion. The lesson for modern Nalanda is to ensure that the great tradition finds new life and vigour within its precincts." The President said universities must be bastions of free speech and expression, providing room for diverse and conflicting schools of thought. Describing Nalanda University as a symbol of Asian resurgence, he said the 21st century was expected to be an "Asian century'.

Source: Hindustan Times August 27, 2016 17:03 UTC