A debate on decolonisation has taken centre stage in Odisha following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s suggestion to rename Ravenshaw University. Although opposition parties and some individuals resist the change, many Odias advocate for breaking free from colonial remnants, citing the need to assert their independent identity. This growing sentiment underscores a desire to reevaluate and redefine Odisha’s cultural and historical narrative.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s suggestion
While attending an event in Cuttack on the occasion of the local self-governance day, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on 31 August, questioned the role of Ravenshaw (Thomas Edward Ravenshaw), after whom the university was named.
“What did Ravenshaw do during the famine in Odisha? Is the person who was tormenting Odia people a matter of pride for us?” asked Pradhan
However, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made it clear that his suggestion to rename Ravenshaw University was merely a personal opinion, inviting intellectual discourse and debate on the matter.
“It’s my personal opinion. Intellectuals in Odisha should mull over it. There should be debates over the matter,” said the Minister
Main Opposition Party BJD’s Reaction
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty launched a scathing attack on Pradhan for his remarks on renaming Ravenshaw University, calling it “unfortunate” and “historically ill-informed”.
“Pradhan’s statement is a clear example of his lack of understanding of Odisha’s history and heritage. He should have done his homework before making such comments, especially when it comes to the significant contributions of Thomas Edward Ravenshaw to higher education in Odisha.” Mohanty said.
Not only the main opposition Party, BJD, and Congress Party, but various organisations and individuals are opposing this suggestion.
BJP slams BJD for defending Ravenshaw, Calls it an insult to Odisha’s famine victims
BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal launched a scathing attack on BJD. Biswal accused BJD of supporting British officer Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, who was responsible for a devastating famine in Odisha that claimed 20 lakh lives. Biswal questioned BJD’s understanding of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s statement, suggesting they either failed to grasp it or lacked the intellectual capacity to comprehend it.
Biswal attacked BJD for backing Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, a British officer infamous for his role in the 1866 Odisha famine. Citing J P Das’s book “Desha-Kaala- Patra”, Biswal highlighted Ravenshaw’s callousness during the famine, where he allegedly prioritised smoking hookah over addressing the crisis. Furthermore, Biswal pointed out that Ravenshaw had blamed the victims themselves, labelling Odia people as “apathetic and lazy” during the Campbell Inquiry Commission. Biswal expressed outrage that BJD would advocate for such a person, implying that the party is disregarding the state’s history and the suffering of its people.
“Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called for a public debate on whether an educational institution should bear the name of controversial British officer Thomas Edward Ravenshaw. This approach exemplifies the principles of a healthy democracy, where open discussion and engagement precede significant decisions,” said Biswal
“As the nation strives to shed the remnants of colonialism and foreign domination, it’s time for us to break free from the lingering vestiges of our past,” added Biswal
Biswal also said Odisha’s sons and daughters played a pivotal role in establishing and developing Ravenshaw University, not Thomas Edward Ravenshaw. Notable contributors include Mayurbhanj Maharaj, who donated Rs 20,000, and esteemed educationists like Professors Pranakrishna Parija, Balabhadra Prasad, and GB Dhal, who chose to serve and expand the institution instead of pursuing opportunities abroad. The people of Odisha have been instrumental in shaping the university’s legacy. It’s time to honour the true architects of Ravenshaw University’s legacy, recognising the contributions and sacrifices of Odisha’s visionaries, philanthropists, and educationists who have shaped the institution’s history and growth.
Renaming Ravenshaw University is an opportunity to rectify historical injustices and reclaim Odisha’s cultural heritage.
Dr Gourishankar Sahoo, an alumnus of Ravenshaw University and current Assistant Professor at Himachal Pradesh Central University, strongly supports renaming the institution, viewing it as a crucial step towards decolonisation. He believes that this change should have been made earlier.
“Ravenshaw University, initially known as Cuttack College, has a complex history. While Ravenshaw’s name is associated with the institution, He was not solely responsible for its establishment. The university’s development was made possible by the financial support of various Odia kings, including the King of Mayurbhanj and the King of Kanika. This is reflected in the naming of departments and facilities, such as the Mayurbhanj Physics and Chemistry Laboratories and the Kanika Library.” Says Dr Sahoo.
“The contributions of renowned educators like Prof P K Parija, Prof. Balabhadra Prasad, and others who returned to Odisha after completing their studies abroad are equally significant. Their dedication and hard work helped shape the institution into its current form. As we consider renaming the university, it is essential to acknowledge the diverse contributions to its growth and legacy. The debate serves as a reminder of the institution’s rich history and the importance of recognising the efforts of all those involved in its establishment and development,” added Dr Sahoo.
Dr Sahoo says, the 1866 famine, which claimed the lives of a million Odias, is a dark chapter in the state’s history, exacerbated by the ineptitude of Ravenshaw. It is jarring to see his name associated with a prestigious institution in Odisha, akin to naming a college after General Dyer in Jallianwala Bagh or Hussain Suhrawardy in Kolkata. This historical wrong can be corrected.
“Ravenshaw’s tenure was marked by incompetence, making him an unworthy namesake for an institution in Odisha. Meanwhile, the state boasts of visionaries like Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Gourishankar Ray, Upendra Bhanj, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, and Maharaja Rama Chandra Bhanjdeo, who made significant contributions to Odia society. It is a travesty to honour a colonial functionary while ignoring the achievements of Odisha’s own sons,” said Dr Sahoo.
He said, renaming Ravenshaw University is an opportunity to rectify historical injustices and reclaim Odisha’s cultural heritage. It’s time to acknowledge the past and honour the state’s true heroes rather than perpetuating a legacy of colonialism.
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