When a friend first mentioned that HRD minister dharmendra pradhan had suggested changing the name of Ravenshaw University, I laughed, thinking it must be some sort of elaborate joke. After all, surely Pradhan—a man in such a high office—was just exhibiting a sharp sense of humor, perhaps poking fun at the overzealous rebranding trends we’ve seen in recent years. But as the realization hit that he was indeed serious, my reaction shifted from amusement to disbelief. Was this suggestion born of sheer ignorance, or had Pradhan simply never passed through the hallowed halls of Ravenshaw College?
For those who understand Ravenshaw’s legacy, the suggestion feels not only absurd but deeply troubling. Ravenshaw isn’t just a name; it’s a legacy, a symbol of intellectual rigor, progressive thought, and historical importance. It’s a name that evokes memories of debates that shaped young minds, of professors who inspired generations, and of a culture steeped in academic excellence. Suggesting a change to such a name is like erasing not just history, but identity itself.
But rather than debate the merits or, in this case, the obvious lack of merit in such a proposal, let me instead respond the best way I know: with a joke. And my way of joking is simply to tell the truth.
What Ravenshaw Signifies
Ravenshaw is not just a word painted on a signboard or printed on certificates. It's a name that has resonated far beyond the boundaries of cuttack or Odisha. Founded in 1868, when india was still under colonial rule, Ravenshaw college represented a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for the educated middle class. For many, it was the first step toward intellectual freedom—a place where ideas flourished and discourse was nurtured. Its students, alumni, and faculty have played instrumental roles in shaping not only the region but also the nation.
Can a name encapsulate the essence of an institution? In Ravenshaw’s case, absolutely. To change it is not merely to swap out one word for another—it is to deny the profound influence this college has had on the countless lives it has touched.
A Legacy Carved in Time
Picture this: a student stands at the gates of Ravenshaw, one of the oldest and most revered institutions in india, feeling the weight of history upon them. The name "Ravenshaw" isn't just a label—it's a reminder of the people who walked the same corridors, who sat in the same classrooms, and who left their indelible mark on society. Among its illustrious alumni are leaders, thinkers, and change-makers whose contributions have been felt across generations.
One can’t help but think of Madhusudan Das, the eminent freedom fighter and social reformer, or Gopabandhu Das, the “Utkalmani” who founded Odisha’s modern education system. Would their achievements be the same without the prestige and recognition associated with Ravenshaw?
More Than Mere Semantics
Now, some might argue, “What’s in a name? Isn’t the quality of education what truly matters?” But this is no mere act of rebranding. It’s not about upgrading infrastructure or improving curriculum. Changing the name of Ravenshaw is about erasing a part of our collective heritage. Names matter because they carry stories—of struggle, of perseverance, of triumph.
To reduce this to a bureaucratic exercise, as if Ravenshaw were just another institution in need of a facelift, is to strip away its soul. Would we rename Oxford? Harvard? JNU? Such a question is laughable because we understand that these names are synonymous with their histories.
A Name That Should Stay
The problem with Pradhan's suggestion is not just that it's impractical—it's that it completely misses the point. Ravenshaw’s name is its identity. To rename it would be to tear apart the fabric of its legacy, to replace it with something less meaningful, less resonant.
So, instead of stripping away its name, we should be preserving and cherishing it. Let Ravenshaw remain Ravenshaw—a symbol of excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. This is not just an issue for those connected to the institution, but for all of us who understand the importance of preserving the history that shapes who we are today.
To dharmendra pradhan and others who might entertain such whims, I’d simply say this: the joke is on you. Because in trying to rewrite the narrative of Ravenshaw, you’ve shown a shocking disregard for the very essence of what makes education powerful—its capacity to connect past, present, and future.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel