The Bihar Cabinet on Thursday approved the appointment of former President APJ Abdul Kalam as the first visitor of the proposed University of Nalanda. The Cabinet also approved the setting up of the university with international assistance.

The Cabinet approval comes a day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss the setting up of the university and an IIT in the state with assistance from the Asian power.

Kalam, who as President was actively involved in resurrecting the glorious past of Bihar by reviving a university that existed at Nalanda before 500 BC, was earlier offered the prestigious post of Visitor. The state Government appointed him after he accepted the proposal.

Following the Cabinet’s approval, the appointment of Kalam will now be notified.

A host of Asian countries have shown interest in setting up the university that will reflect the spirit of the ancient seat of learning.