Barkatullah University to be renamed ‘Vagdevi Bhojpal University’

• Executive Council of the university in MP approves the proposal

• Proposal to be sent to the Government and Governor for enactment through legislation

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) – Hindu organisations have been demanding a change in the name of Barkatullah University for several years. The university’s Executive Council has now approved a proposal to rename it ‘Vagdevi Bhojpal University’. The proposal will be forwarded to the State Higher Education Department and subsequently to the Government. After a Bill regarding the renaming is introduced and passed in the State Legislature, the change will be finalised with the approval of the Governor.

During the council meeting, it was argued that Raja Bhoj represents the historical and intellectual heritage of the State. Executive Council member Dr Tahira Abbasi opposed the decision, stating that the university’s current name is associated with the memory of freedom fighter Barkatullah Bhopali and therefore should not be changed. (This is an example of the argument that Muslims often prioritise their religious identity regardless of their position or office. – Editor)

End of Congress appeasement politics – BJP

Commenting on the proposed renaming, BJP State Vice-President Surendra Sharma Shivpuri said that the move would bring an end to the appeasement politics initiated by former Congress Chief Minister Arjun Singh in 1988.

Hindu organisations express happiness

Organisations such as Shri Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch welcomed the decision. Committee President Chandrashekhar Tiwari said, “This demand had been pending for a long time, and it now appears close to being fulfilled. There are many places in the State whose names should be changed and dedicated to patriots and revolutionaries.”

Changes in the university’s academic structure as well

In addition to the proposed renaming, changes have been planned in the university’s academic structure. Traditional subjects such as Arabic and Persian are to be reorganised under a new ‘Department of Comparative Languages and Culture’.

Editorial Perspective

Instead of renaming one university, village, or city at a time in different States, it should be declared once and for all that "This country belongs to Hindus, and Hindu traditions will be given priority here." A comprehensive campaign to rename places should then be undertaken. Of course, for this to happen, a Hindu Rashtra is necessary.