Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sparked a heated debate by proposing the renaming of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack-- reports Indian Express.
The 156-year-old institution, founded as Ravenshaw College, is named after Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, a British colonial administrator who served as the commissioner of Orissa (now Odisha) during the catastrophic 1866 Orissa famine. This devastating famine resulted in the deaths of over a million people, making it one of the deadliest in Indian history.
Reason for Renaming
Pradhan's primary motivation for the proposed name change stems from Ravenshaw's association with the 1866 famine. He argues that honouring Ravenshaw by retaining his name on such a prominent educational institution may inadvertently glorify his role during the famine, a period of immense suffering and loss for the region. Pradhan believes that renaming the university is a step towards addressing historical injustices and reevaluating colonial legacies that continue to impact contemporary India.
Historical Contributions of Thomas Edward Ravenshaw
Despite the tragedy of the famine, Thomas Edward Ravenshaw is also credited with significant contributions to the development of higher education in Orissa. In the aftermath of the famine, Ravenshaw submitted a memorandum advocating for establishing a degree college in Orissa, leading to the founding of Ravenshaw College in 1868. His efforts were instrumental in promoting higher education and advancing the Odia language, laying the foundation for what would become one of India's most prestigious educational institutions.
Ravenshaw College, which became a university in 2006 and celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2017, has a storied history of academic excellence. It has produced numerous eminent personalities, including former Chief Ministers Harekrushna Mahtab, Biju Patnaik, and Nandini Satpathy, and notable figures in literature, politics, and academia. The university has played a pivotal role in Odisha's civic and political life, contributing to the state's intellectual and cultural development.
Opposition to Renaming
However, the proposal to rename Ravenshaw University has met with strong opposition from alumni and other stakeholders. Alumni argue that Ravenshaw's contributions to education and the promotion of the Odia language have had a lasting positive impact on the region. They emphasise that the university's rich history and role in producing leaders and intellectuals should be preserved and honoured rather than erased.
Critics of the renaming also highlight that the institution's legacy encompasses its colonial origins and significant contributions to Odisha's development. They contend that renaming the university could undermine its historical achievements and its positive influence on generations of students and the broader community.
Balancing Historical Accountability and Legacy
The debate over Ravenshaw University's name reflects a broader national conversation about handling historical legacies, particularly those tied to colonialism and its impacts. While some advocate for renaming institutions to better reflect contemporary values and acknowledge historical wrongs, others argue for a more nuanced approach that recognizes the multifaceted contributions of historical figures.
As discussions continue, the decision to rename Ravenshaw University will require balancing the need for historical accountability with the recognition of the institution's enduring contributions to education and society in Odisha. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how other historic institutions in India navigate similar challenges regarding their namesakes and legacies.
