Nalanda 2.0 has an exceptional team Board of Directors, and Global Advisory Council consisting of leaders from the academia, industry and civil society. The team collectively has leadership, academic, administrative, and educational experiences from several world-class multidisciplinary research universities such as Stanford, Harvard, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego, and India's premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Team also includes a growing group of volunteers and supporters.
empowering people. benefitting society.
Nalanda 2.0 mission is to make India’s higher education system world-class. A world-class higher education system solves problems that matter to society and industries, prepares the youth for fulfilling careers, life, and lifelong learning, upskills and reskils professionals, spurs research, innovation, and start-ups, and enables a more vibrant economy.
Unfortunately, India's higher education is in crisis. (read the link for a detailed case and six key metrics that point to the crisis.) In a post-COVID-19 world, Nalanda 2.0’s mission is more important and urgent than ever before. With 1.3 billion people in India, which is close to 1/6th of world's population, Nalanda 2.0’s mission is a win-win for India and its people and the global humanity.
What is Nalanda 2.0 doing to advance this mission? Since its inception in October 2016, powered by an exceptional team of Founder & President, Board of Directors, Global Advisory Council, and a dedicated team of volunteers, Nalanda 2.0 is tackling some of the toughest challenges and opportunities facing India's higher education system. It is building a world-class multidisciplinary research university, educating stakeholders, and advising governments.
What are Nalanda 2.0 plans for 2022? Our single minded focus is to launch Ekagrid as soon as possible. Ekagrid (www.ekagrid.org) was previously referred to as the University of the Future in India (UFI). Ekagrid will begin by launching the Global Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Once it establishes its premier position in AI, Ekagrid will expand its scope and scale to become a comprehensive and multidisciplinary research university.
How can you help? Make a donation here and now and join over 1075 donors whose support has been instrumental in advancing Nalanda 2.0’s mission. Read a report on Nalanda 2.0's progress, impact, and future plans (click here). Your gift to Nalanda 2.0 will fuel the launch of Ekagrid in 2022, enable game-changing impact for youth, industry, society and the nation, and create a lasting legacy like Nalanda of ancient India and Stanford of the 21st century. Thanks!
Prof. Arogyaswami Paulraj, Professor-Emeritus, Stanford University is the founding Chancellor of the planned university
February 17, 2021
The formal name of the University of the Future in India (UFI) is now Ekagrid. (https://www.ekagrid.org)
We are delighted to share that Dr. A. Paulraj, Professor-Emeritus, Stanford University will be the founding Chancellor of the planned university. Dr. Paulraj is the inventor of MIMO wireless technology, which underpins all 4G, 5G, and WiFi networks, globally. He has won several prestigious international awards such the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal and the Marconi Prize. He is also a recipient of Padma Bhushan. Dr. Paulraj embodies the vision and values of the planned Ekagrid University and will help set the benchmark for excellence.
Shailendra 'Shail' Kumar, Founder and President of Nalanda 2.0, will be the founding Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Development Officer.Mr. Kumar is the Author of Building Golden India: How to unleash India’s vast potential and transform its higher education system. Now. Formerly, co-founder and CEO of two start-ups, executive in several Silicon Valley-based high-tech companies, and administrator in UC San Diego and UC Berkeley. He is the convener of the university initiative.
India's New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is now in force
July 29, 2020
India’s New Education Policy 2020 (NEP2020), which was approved recently, is a significant step in the right direction. When implemented thoughtfully and with a sense of urgency it can make India vibrant and the lives of its people much better.
We are also pleased to note that since its inception in 2016 Nalanda 2.0 has been advocating many of these reforms in India’s higher education system. Nalanda 2.0 Founder & President Shail Kumar first outlined these recommendations in his book Building Golden India: How to unleash India's vast potential and transform its higher education system. Now. (published 2015) In 2017, a US-based Nobel Laureate presented this book to India’s Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.
Our journey also included writing articles and blogs, speaking at conferences, universities and companies, and meeting with decision makers and thought leaders. (Read: our 5-point case, blogs, and articles)
The Time to Reform India’s Education System is Now
Lagging far behind developed nations in university rankings, India must transform its ailing higher education system.
Lessons from Nalanda University of ancient times and Stanford University of modern era for a new India
The lessons from Nalanda of ancient India and Stanford of modern era offer a compelling roadmap to create a better future for India’s youth, society, and its economy.
IIT Alumni Spotlight: PANIIT USA Interviews Shail Kumar, Founder & President, Nalanda 2.0
Nalanda 2.0 launches "Building the University of the Future in India" initiative
In April, 2018, Nalanda 2.0 launched an initiative to build a world-class multidisciplinary teaching and research university. It is inspired by Nalanda of ancient India and Stanford of the 21st century.
What can states in India learn from California, a trailblazer in knowledge economy
One idea can change the trajectory of a state's economy and its people—create a world-class higher education system.
Read the book that is the foundation for Nalanda 2.0.
Building Golden India: How to unleash India's vast potential and transform its higher education system. Now. (published October 2015) Shail Kumar, Founder & President, Nalanda 2.0 is the author. This book is the fountainhead for Nalanda 2.0's mission, plans, and actions.
The book includes a foreword by Desh Deshpande, Life Member, MIT Corporation, and has received international acclaim from academic and business leaders. In 2017, a US-based Nobel Laureate presented this book to India’s Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.
Nalanda 2.0 is partnering with QuestionPro. QuestionPro's advanced survey features powers our data intelligence, allowing us to create surveys, collect responses, distribute critical information, and analyze results.