Patna: Bihar is all set to shine as the Nalanda University plans to go global to become a modern international university, which will cater to the issues related to the South Asian countries.

It is due to the endeavor of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that the University will be upgraded to an International Centre of Excellence not only in the field of education but also for regional understanding and co-operation among the South Asian countries.

Taking the issue to the desk of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference held in the recent past, the PM appealed to all the members of the association to be proactive in setting up of the anticipated Nalanda International University. The SAARC members enthusiastically responded the PM's appeal.

The Chief Secretary of Bihar, Anoop Mukherjee, from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), received a letter confirming the development, which will be undertaken in the state.

The letter from the PMO also mentions that the PM thanked the member nations like China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for their assertiveness to develop the Nalanda International University project.

The process, though initiated by Bihar CM in 2006, has already gained momentum with the aid of Japan and Singapore for this 'dream project' of former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam.

Kalam has been appointed as the 'visitor' of this International University by the state government, which has already acquired more than 500 acres of land for the project.

A 'mentor group' has also been constituted under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr. Amartya Sen, which has already held its meeting at Singapore comprising members like Lord Meghnad Desai and Sugata Bose to develop this university as a hub to attract various foreign students and faculty.