Heated debate in Odisha Assembly over renaming Ravenshaw University
Editor
Bhubaneswar, Sept 5: The Odisha Assembly was thrown into turmoil on Thursday over the contentious issue of renaming Ravenshaw University. The debate heated up as members from the ruling BJP, opposition BJD, and Congress clashed over the proposal.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Byomakesh Ray raised the issue during zero hour, questioning the government about the suggestion from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to change the university's name. Ray noted that both the Deputy Chief Minister and the state Education Minister had supported Pradhan’s proposal.
Ray emphasized Ravenshaw University's historical significance, highlighting its 156-year legacy and its association with T.E. Ravenshaw, who took over the institution just before the 1866 famine. He argued that promoting the Odia language and medium in schools should take precedence over such name changes.
Ray claimed that the Union Minister’s suggestion had sparked unrest among students in the state and called for a statement from the Chief Minister.
In response, BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy defended the Union Minister’s proposal, arguing that it has been well-received by the public, while accusing opponents of being out of touch. Tripathy questioned why a state institution should bear the name of a British figure when there are many prominent Odia personalities who have significantly contributed to the region’s culture and language.
BJD legislator Sharada Jena countered that renaming the university would not enhance the quality of education. He accused Pradhan of attempting to create discord in Cuttack, despite his previous financial contributions to Ravenshaw University from the CSR funds during his tenure as Union Petroleum Minister. Jena suggested that if renaming was a priority, Pradhan should consider establishing a new university named after Nathuram Godse.
BJP MLA Irasis Acharya responded to Jena’s comments, calling the suggestion of a university named after Godse "unfortunate" and criticized the opposition for using the issue to divert Assembly proceedings.
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous condemned the BJP for its stance, arguing that the proposed name change had hurt the sentiments of Cuttack’s residents. She also called for the Chief Minister to address the issue in the Assembly.
