Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has ignited a debate by proposing the renaming of Ravenshaw University, one of Odisha’s oldest and most revered educational institutions. Speaking at a Self-Governance Day event in Cuttack, Pradhan suggested that the university’s current name, honouring a controversial British colonial figure, no longer aligns with the values and pride of the Odia people.
“There is a need for a name change. What did Ravenshaw, after whom the university is named, do during the famine hurt Odias. It is a matter of pride,” Pradhan stated. His comments were a direct reference to TE Ravenshaw, the British Commissioner of Odisha during the catastrophic famine of 1866, which claimed the lives of thousands of Odias due to what many view as colonial administrative negligence.
Pradhan’s remarks have resonated deeply within Odisha, a state that still bears the scars of colonial rule. The Union Minister pointedly criticised TE Ravenshaw’s role in the famine, which he described as a “calamity caused by the administrative failure of the British authorities,” including Ravenshaw. “Why should a prestigious university of Odisha be named after the British Commissioner? The intellectuals of Odisha should think over this,” Pradhan asserted.
Ravenshaw’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
Established in 1868 as Ravenshaw College, the institution has a storied history in Odisha. Initially founded during British rule, it was granted autonomous status in the 1990s and elevated to a unitary university in 2006. Over its 156-year history, Ravenshaw University has been a beacon of academic excellence in the state, producing countless luminaries across various fields.
However, Pradhan’s suggestion has cast a spotlight on the complex legacy of the institution’s namesake. TE Ravenshaw, once lauded for his contributions to education, is now being reexamined through the lens of his involvement during a dark chapter in Odisha’s history. The famine of 1866, also known as the Na’Anka Durvikhya, led to widespread suffering and loss of life, with many blaming the British administration’s failure to provide timely relief.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
Pradhan’s proposal has divided public opinion in Odisha. Supporters argue that renaming the university is a necessary step to honor the memory of those who suffered during the famine and to reclaim a sense of Odia pride. They believe that a new name, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage, would better represent the values of modern Odisha.
On the other hand, critics of the proposal warn against erasing history. They argue that while Ravenshaw’s role during the famine is indeed controversial, the institution has, over time, built its own identity and legacy that extends far beyond its colonial origins. Changing the name, they contend, could undermine this legacy and erase the contributions of countless students, alumni, and educators who have passed through its doors.
A Broader Debate on Colonial Legacies
Pradhan’s suggestion is part of a broader national conversation about the legacy of colonialism in India. Across the country, there has been a growing movement to rename places, institutions, and monuments that bear the names of colonial figures. Advocates of this movement see it as a way to decolonize public spaces and to celebrate indigenous history and culture.
However, the question of how to approach this legacy is far from settled. Historians, intellectuals, and the general public continue to grapple with how best to reconcile the past with the present. Ravenshaw University, with its long and complex history, has now become the latest flashpoint in this ongoing debate.
What’s Next?
As the discussion over Pradhan’s proposal intensifies, the people of Odisha will have to weigh the merits of preserving the name of Ravenshaw University against the desire to move beyond a colonial legacy. Whether the name will change remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the conversation has sparked a deep reflection on the ways in which history continues to shape the present.
As the debate continues, all eyes will be on the intellectuals, historians, and citizens of Odisha to see how they choose to navigate this contentious issue. Whatever the outcome, the decision will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the identity of one of the state’s most cherished institutions.
Prasanta Patnaik