For over a decade, Nalanda Academy in Wardha has supported students from marginalized communities across India. Until now, it operated from a single hall at Samyak Buddha Vihar, lacking hostels, classrooms, and a mess. To change this, a dream of a residential campus was born.
In August 2020, Kanta and Shashikant Humane donated 9.15 acres at Waifad in memory of their son Abhiyan Humane. Construction began in October 2023, and by 2025 the academic block and hostels are well underway. When complete, the campus will house over 300 students and feature modern classrooms, labs, a library, hostels, and spaces for health, meditation, arts, and sports.
The campus is being built entirely through the contributions of individuals who share Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of transforming society through education — without any institutional funding.
The two-storeyed Academic Block, with a total built-up area of 35,000 sq. ft., is designed to include – 2 classrooms (120-seater each), 2 classrooms (80-seater each), Library (200-seater), Cyber Lab (50-seater), Committee Room (50-seater), Science Lab (50-seater), Staff Room and Administrative Office.
Construction of the first phase of Academic Block began in April 2024 and is currently in progress. This phase — comprising the ground floor with two classrooms, the office, the lab, and the library — is scheduled for completion by May 2026.
Two separate hostels — for male and female students — are being built, each with a capacity of 100 students and a total built-up area of 19,500 sq. ft. per hostel. Both are three-storeyed buildings equipped with common rooms, study areas, and barrier-free access with dedicated
facilities for students with disabilities.
Construction of both hostels commenced in June 2025. The Boys’ Hostel has completed two slab castings, with the third scheduled for December 2025, followed by internal brickwork. The Girls’ Hostel has completed its foundation, and superstructure work will begin in January 2026. Both hostels are targeted for completion by July 2026.
In line with Nalanda’s vision of building a sustainable and eco-friendly learning space, over 1,000 native trees have been planted at the campus in the past two years. The long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining green campus with more than 4,000 shade and fruit-bearing trees. Green zones are being developed across the campus to help students connect learning with nature. The campus is also moving toward full use of renewable energy. Key sustainability features include a solar power and water treatment plant, waste management and biogas systems, and rainwater harvesting structures.
In July 2025, Nalanda completed its third round of plantation, adding 300 more trees such as Neem, Banyan, Peepal, Arjun, Gulmohar, Mango, Jamun, Amla, Palash, and Jacaranda. The next plantation drive is planned for December 2025.
Inspired by the legacy of ancient Nalanda, this area of the campus will be a peaceful space for learning and reflection. It will feature a library, reading areas, small study huts, discussion space, a majestic Buddha statue, meditation space, and a garden, creating a harmonious environment that blends study, calm, and connection with nature.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Buddha Pavilion took place in October 2025. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025, with completion expected by June 2026.
With generous support already secured for the ongoing construction of the Academic Block, Buddha Pavilion, and Hostels, we now seek contributions for the Kitchen and Dining Block — a vital facility that will serve as the heart of campus life.
The total project cost is ₹2.5 crore — with ₹2 crore for construction and ₹50 lakh for kitchen equipment and utensils. The single-storey Kitchen and Dining Block, spread over 6,875 sq. ft., is designed to provide clean, nutritious meals for students and staff. It will include a 200-seater dining hall, a modern kitchen, storage areas, and separate locker rooms and toilets for male and female staff.
If you wish to contribute or help us raise funds for this initiative, please write to info@nalanda-academy.org. Every contribution will be gratefully received and publicly acknowledged.
For over a decade, Nalanda Academy has proudly provided all its programs, training, and facilities completely free of charge, made possible by the generosity of countless individuals who share Nalanda’s vision. As we embark on a new chapter — building our own residential campus — we remain committed to our community-funded roots and invite financial support from all who believe in the Ambedkarite vision of empowering communities through education.
For more information, please write to us at info@nalanda-academy.org
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