MFA Press Statement: Nalanda Mentor Group Inaugural Meeting In Singapore, 13 - 15 July 2007

The Nalanda Mentor Group will hold its inaugural meeting in Singapore from 13 to 15 July 2007. Established by the Government of India, it is chaired by Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen. Members comprise Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Mr Ikuo Hirayama, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Professor Wang Bangwei, Peking University, Professor Sugata Bose, Harvard University, Lord Meghnad Desai, Professor Emeritus, London School of Economics, Mr NK Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Bihar Planning Commission, Professor Tansen Sen, City University of New York and Mr Neelakantan Ravi, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs of India. Alternate members are Professor Wang Gungwu, Chairman, East Asian Institute, Singapore and Mr Susumu Nakanishi, Director, Nara Prefecture Complex of Man'yo Culture, Japan.

The revival of the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar, India, was raised by Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam during his state visit to Singapore from 31 January - 2 February 2006. Following his visit, Singapore hosted the Nalanda Symposium in November 2006. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced at the East Asia Summit in Cebu in January 2007 that India intended to redevelop Nalanda University as a centre for learning and inter-faith dialogue, and that India welcomed cooperation from member countries of the East Asia Summit.

The Nalanda Mentor Group will discuss the framework of international cooperation, governance structure and funding for Nalanda University. The Group will visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, which will host the Nalanda Exhibition on Buddhism in Asia in conjunction with the East Asia Summit in November 2007. Minister George Yeo will host the opening lunch and closing dinner.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
12 JULY 2007