As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, on Wednesday (June 19), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar grabbed attention as he held PM's hand to check for the indelible vote ink on his index finger.
The incident which was captured on video and shared by PTI news agency has since gone viral on social media.
The video shows Nitish Kumar unexpectedly grabbing the Prime Minister's hand, which briefly alerted the security personnel seated behind the PM.
Users were quick to react on Nitish Kumar's gesture with one writing on X, "Going the Biden way, is he?"
Prime Minister Modi officially opened the new campus of Nalanda University, a significant event highlighting the university's historical and educational importance.
In his speech, PM Modi remarked, "Nalanda is not just a name, but an identity of India's academic heritage."
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke at the event and described the inauguration as a "revival of the global bridge of learning."
"I am especially glad to note that Nalanda University is already working both in India and ASEAN member states towards creating an ASEAN-India University Network. The Schools and Centres of this University have also been consciously chosen to highlight the purpose of this University. It is a matter of satisfaction that the student community is drawn from so many nations and regions of the world," Jaishankar added.
He further highlighted the university's historical significance, noting, "The university's destruction marked a downturn in our history. It also served a larger role by connecting our society with those of our near and far neighbours, through land and sea."
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Governor Rajendra V Arlekar and ambassadors from 17 countries.
Prior to the inauguration, PM Modi visited the UNESCO world heritage site Nalanda Mahavihara, marking his first visit to the state since the Lok Sabha elections.
Established through the Nalanda University Act in 2010 and operational since 2014, the new campus is designed to be a replica of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the world's first residential universities founded around 1,600 years ago.
(With inputs from agencies)