Don’t saffronise education, academicians urge govt

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, November 19

The move to rename Dyal Singh (evening) College, Delhi, as Vande Mataram Mahavidyalaya has come as a shock for retired professors and staff members of Dyal Singh College, Karnal.

Claiming it to be a move to saffronisation, they have termed it political conspiracy.

They have opposed the change in name as it is dedicated to Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a secular liberal, philanthropist, banker, social reformer and educationist.

Dr Ram Ji Lal, retired principal of Dyal Singh College, Karnal, criticised the move. He said Sardar Majithia had established The Tribune Trust (1881), Punjab National Bank (1894), Dyal Singh College in Lahore (1910), Dyal Singh College in Karnal (1949) and Dyal Singh College in Delhi (1959).

He maintained that the Pakistani government had taken over the college, but did not change its name. He said it was still known as Government Dyal Singh College, Lahore, and special grant was being given to it.

“I was associated with the Karnal college since August 1969 and retired as principal. I am a member of the governing body. The change is an attack on autonomy and an insult to the great personality. I request Delhi University, Delhi Government and Union HRD Ministry to respect him,” he said.

“It is a move towards saffronisation of the educational institute by some persons. It should not be done,” said Prof IJ Bharti, (retd), who had served Dyal Singh College, Karnal, for over 30 years.

He maintained that the government could change the name of patriots and freedom fighters who had sacrificed lives for the nation. There was no end to this, he stated.

“I was shocked at the change in name. Dyal Singh was a secular person who had donated all his belongings for the welfare of society,” said Prof HD Madan (retd), who had served the Karnal college from 1966 to 2002.

“It seems to be a political move and some political guns may be behind it,” he claimed. “I request Delhi University not to change the name,” he said.