Panjab University may name Arts Block after Dr Manmohan

Panjab University is likely to rename Arts Block 3 as Dr Manmohan Singh Hall to honour its distinguished alumnus and former Prime Minister.

Also, a plaque detailing Dr Singh’s life and contributions is expected to be installed and an annual memorial lecture started in his name. These recommendations were made by a committee, which was formed to explore ways to commemorate Dr Singh. Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig said the university was considering these recommendations seriously. “Renaming Arts Block 3, which houses the Department of Economics, where Dr Singh studied and taught, and several other departments, will be a fitting tribute,” she added. Arts Block 1 has been named after martyr Udham Singh and Arts Block 2 after Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

The development follows demands from various student organisations to honour Dr Singh. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Panjab University, had recently submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor urging the administration to rename key university structures after Dr Singh and start a scholarship in his name. The NSUI proposed renaming Arts Block 3, dedicating the coming South Campus auditorium in his honour, establishing a special section in the Central Library, and launching the Dr Manmohan Singh Research Scholarship.

Dr Manmohan Singh completed his Master’s in Economics at Panjab University from 1952 to 1954 and served as a faculty member from 1957 to 1959. He returned to the university in 1963 as a full professor and served until 1966, shaping the Economics Department during his tenure.

Committee proposals

The recommendations made by a committee, which was constituted to consider ways to honour the legacy of PU alumnus Dr Manmohan Singh on the campus, include renaming Arts Block 3 as Dr Manmohan Singh Hall, installing a plaque detailing his life and contributions, and instituting an annual memorial lecture in his name.