Bhubaneswar: A heated exchange erupted between members of the ruling BJP and the opposition BJD and Congress in the Odisha Assembly on Thursday over the proposed name change of Ravenshaw University. The controversy gained momentum following a recent statement by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During the Zero Hour, BJD MLA Byomakesh Ray raised concerns about the issue, demanding a clear stance from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Ray highlighted the growing discontent among students over the potential name change and called for the government’s position on the matter. He emphasized that Ravenshaw University, named after the former Odisha Commissioner T.E. Ravenshaw, has played a pivotal role in shaping modern education in Odisha for 156 years.
Ray also pointed out that Ravenshaw was instrumental in promoting the use of the Odia language in schools, marking a significant milestone in the state’s educational history. He warned that any attempt to alter the university’s name could lead to intensified student protests.
Congress leader Sofia Firdous echoed Ray’s sentiments, acknowledging Ravenshaw University’s contribution to Odisha’s intellectual legacy. She called for an official statement from the government to address the growing concerns among students and alumni.
“We urge Chief Minister Majhi to clarify the government’s stance on this issue. Changing the university’s name would divert attention from more pressing matters concerning the institution,” Ray stated to the media outside the Assembly.
BJP MLA Irasis Acharya, however, countered the BJD’s position, accusing them of being ruled by outside influences. He criticized Ravenshaw for taking a 70-day leave during the 1866 famine, a time when Odisha was suffering immensely. Acharya further argued that the Union Education Minister’s remarks should not be interpreted as a formal proposal for change, but rather as a personal statement.
Earlier, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had suggested that the people of Odisha and intellectuals should reflect on whether Ravenshaw University should continue to bear the name of someone associated with the catastrophic 1866 famine in the state.
The debate remains unresolved, with the possibility of further student unrest if steps toward renaming the institution are taken.
