Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the name of Ravenshaw University, Odisha's oldest higher education institution, should be changed to uphold Odisha's Asmita.

He, however, said it is his personal opinion and his suggestion should be debated by Odisha's intellectuals.

Explaining his opinion, the Union Education Minister asked about the contribution of Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, on whose name the institution has been captioned. Ravenshaw was officiating as Commissioner of Odisha Division during the British rule in the country.

"During Ravenshaw, Na'anka Durbiksha (Famine) hit Odisha. While scores of Odia people died, what was Ravenshaw doing then? What was his contribution? Thus, such an institution ( Of a high magnitude of excellence) should not be named after him. It is my personal opinion. Intellectuals should debate over it," Pradhan told reporters.

Pradhan visited Cuttack to attend various government programmes.

"Yes, it hurts our Odia Asmita," Pradhan said when asked if Asmita (The self-dignity aspect of Odisha) is hurt with the use of the name, Ravenshaw.
Meanwhile, politicians and intellectuals supported Pradhan's suggestion.

"No matter, the name should be changed to uphold our self-dignity. Names of many famous roads and places have already been changed. What is wrong with it," asked Cuttack MP Bhatruhari Mahatab.

"The institution was first named Cuttack College when it was established in 1868. It was renamed Ravenshaw College on the suggestion of Mayurbhanj King in 1879. He (Ravenshaw) didn't protect Odia people during the famine. Thus, his name hurts our self-respect and self-identity," said Dr Narayan Mohanty, an intellectual.

He said the Union Minister's suggestion is acceptable and should be implemented.

Senior journalist Pradyumna Satpathy thanked Pradhan for raising the suggestion.

"As a true Odia, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has raised the issue to uphold our Asmita. I support his suggestion fully," said Satpathy.

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