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 matters!
Nalanda 2.0 Mission Is To Make India’s Higher Education System World Class.
Why Does It Matter? Higher education is the bedrock of individual, societal, and national growth. A world-class higher education system not only prepares young people for fulfilling careers and lifelong learning but also upskills professionals, drives innovation, spurs entrepreneurship, solves societal and industrial challenges, and contributes to a more dynamic economy.
Unfortunately, India's higher education system is severely underperforming, struggling to meet the needs of its students, parents, industry, and society at large. India currently has only one university in the top 500 of global rankings—compared to 127 from the United States and 83 from China. Furthermore, 75-90% of students graduating from colleges are considered unemployable by the industry. Although the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education has improved in recent years, it still stands at only 28%, a stark contrast to other leading countries.
India has 1.4 billion people, approximately 700 million of whom are below the age of 24 years, making up 17.5% of global humanity and 21.6% of children and youth. Thus, transforming India’s higher education system is not only crucial for the country’s development but also a critical contribution to global progress.
What Has Nalanda 2.0 Accomplished So Far?
Nalanda 2.0, a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 2016. Since then through 2024 it 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 Research University (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!
India's New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is now in force
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 Shri 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.