The proposal to rename India’s 156-year-old Ravenshaw University has ignited a fierce debate over its colonial ties. Founded by British bureaucrat Thomas Edward Ravenshaw in 1868, critics argue that the institution’s name glorifies a figure associated with the devastating Great Odisha Famine. While the federal education minister advocates for a name change, alumni and opposition parties resist, viewing it as an attempt to erase history. However, supporters argue that Ravenshaw’s efforts in promoting education and upholding Odia language warrant recognition.
This controversy reflects a broader global trend of reassessing colonial legacies. From Oxford University’s removal of Cecil Rhodes’ statue to Mexico City’s replacement of Christopher Columbus with an Indigenous woman, nations are striving to “decolonize” public spaces. Similarly, in London’s SOAS, students advocated for a curriculum revision to better represent Asian and African perspectives.
As India grapples with its colonial past, the debate over Ravenshaw University encapsulates the complexities of honoring history while acknowledging its darker chapters. It underscores the importance of reevaluating historical symbols in a post-colonial world.
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