A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal over a proposal to rename one of the state's most prominent higher education institutions. Sharbari Mukherjee, the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Jadavpur, has formally suggested changing the name of Jadavpur University to Rishi Arabinda University. This announcement has instantly ignited a sharp ideological debate across political circles and academic corridors in the state, with leaders from rival parties clashing over history, nationalism, and institutional identity.
Historical reference to Rishi Arabinda
Detailing the rationale behind her proposal, the BJP legislator argued that Rishi Arabinda was instrumental in the foundational thought of the institution. She stated that the establishment was originally envisioned to foster Bengali talent in opposition to British colonial rule. According to her, several nationalists strongly believe that naming the prominent university after Rishi Arabinda would be a fitting tribute to his legacy and contribution to the freedom movement.
Left leaders launch sharp counter-attacks
The suggestion met with immediate resistance and strong condemnation from left-wing student unions and opposition politicians. Srijan Bhattacharya, a CPI(M) leader and former student of the university, responded with heavy sarcasm to the MLA's proposal. In a mocking counter-suggestion, he remarked that if the ruling party affiliates wished to alter names based on their ideology, they might as well rename the institution directly as Nathuram Godse University, dismissing the original proposal as politically motivated.
Debate over ideological legacy
Bhattacharya further alleged that whenever ideological factions push for renaming streets or academic bodies, their primary motive is to project their specific political lineage. He pointed out past instances where names of roads and halls were altered. However, he noted that Rishi Arabinda was a frontline leader of the Swadeshi movement, a fierce opponent of British imperialism, and an accused in the Alipore bomb case, contrasting this legacy with the historical role of right-wing ideologues during the freedom struggle.
Sarcastic remarks on institutional changes
Continuing his critique, the left leader made several ironic demands concerning the proposed transformation of the campus. He suggested that along with changing the name, the traditional university insignia created by renowned artist Nandalal Bose should be replaced by historical letters written by Veer Savarkar to British authorities. He concluded his critique by remarking that following these sweeping changes, MLA Sharbari Mukherjee should herself be appointed as the vice-chancellor of the newly rechristened institution.
Context of the ABVP campus events
The renaming proposal was publicly articulated during a series of events organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad inside the university campus. The day's activities included a tricolor march, the hoisting of the national flag, and the singing of Vande Mataram, alongside the display of portraits of various scholars across the grounds. Later, under the initiative of the Haripada Bharati Smriti Raksha Samiti, a nationalist meeting and Vedantic recitation session were held at the Triguna Sen Auditorium. Prominent figures including Rahul Sinha, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Sharbari Mukherjee were present when the MLA put forward the renaming suggestion from the podium.
