Renaming of Dyal Singh College: Veteran BJP leader opposes move

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, November 24

Former Union Home Minister and veteran BJP leader ID Swami on Friday criticised the proposed move to rename Dyal Singh College (Evening), Delhi, as ‘Vande Matram’, saying it was the worst decision.

Swami, 87, said everyone should respect the contribution of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, who was a great philanthropist, patriot, social reformer and educationist.

He devoted his entire wealth and life for the welfare of the society, Swami said.

He had established The Tribune Trust in 1881 and the Punjab National Bank in 1894, the first Indian bank, he said, adding that Dyal Singh Library was started in 1908 in Lahore, while a college named Dyal Singh College was established in Lahore in 1910.

Two colleges of the same name were also established in Karnal and Delhi in 1949 and1959 respectively to spread liberal education, he said.

Lamenting the issue, the two-time MP from Karnal, said, “It is unfortunate that we in India are erasing the legacy of a legendary personality, but the Pakistan Government has respected the feelings and emotions of lakhs of people, who know Sardar Majithia, and did not change the name of Dyal Singh College in Lahore.”

He said so many institutions across the country are running in the name of Sardar Majithia.

“There is no sensible reason behind changing this name,” he said.

“I request President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Vice-Chancellor of the Delhi University to intervene and ensure that this unreasonable proposal is not implemented.

“I think the Union Government would respect the sentiments of lakhs of people,” Swami said.