Opposition criticises Pradhan’s demand to rename Ravenshaw University

Bhubaneswar: Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s “proposal” on Saturday that there should be a debate and discussion on changing the status of Ravenshaw University in the state of Odisha to uphold Odia Ashmita (Odia pride) has sparked a heated row in the state with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and some intellectuals raising strong objections to it.

“It is very unfortunate that Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has demanded a change in Ravenshaw University under the pretext of Odia Asmita. He should have read the history of Ravenshaw University before making such a statement,” criticised BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty.

“Pradhan can never understand the contribution of Thomas Edward Ravenshaw to higher education in Odisha,” he added.

On Saturday, during an event in the city of Cuttack in the Indian state of Odisha, Pradhan noted the need for a name change for Ravenshaw University. The university was named after Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, who served as the Commissioner of Odisha from 1865 to 1878.

“What did TE Ravenshaw do during the devastating famine of 1866 in Odisha, which claimed over a million lives?” asked Pradhan during his speech.

“The famine of 1866, better known as ‘Na-anka Durbhikya’, killed nine out of ten people. The disaster occurred due to the administrative failure of the British authorities when Ravenshaw was the Commissioner. Why should a prestigious university in Odisha be named after the British Commissioner?” wondered Pradhan.

However, he insisted that the changes to the 156-year-old institute were his personal opinion.

Commenting on the issue, BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal said, “In the past, we have seen the BJD leader fighting for the interests of some non-Odias. Now they have crossed all boundaries and are fighting for a British officer who is responsible for the deaths of over a million Odias. Dharmendra Pradhan’s approach was democratic when he called for a debate.”

“BJD has not handed over even an inch of land in the name of Ravenshaw University. So what kind of love are they showing now?” he added.

Congresswoman Sofia Firdous said, “I am personally very attached to the name Ravenshaw. Therefore, I feel that a name change is not necessary. If the university is rather given the status of a top university, many would benefit as the students would get new opportunities. It would also enhance the reputation of Cuttack City.”