NSUI calls for college to be named after Dr Manmohan Singh, rejects Savarkar

Terming Veer Savarkar as “no freedom fighter,” Varun Choudhary, president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the naming of a new educational institution after the late Hindu ideologue. Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for a college named after Savarkar under the University of Delhi on Friday (January 3). Savarkar, a prominent figure in the Hindu Mahasabha, was a controversial figure in Indian history.

Speaking to The Tribune, Choudhary said, “The name of the college should honour the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. His academic and political journey has been an inspiration. His legacy would also urge students to do well,” Choudhary said.

Choudhary was firm in his stance, asserting, “It is the reality that Savarkar is not a freedom fighter at all. I am very clear about it. It would be a great honour to name a college after Dr Manmohan Singh, who recently passed away.”

In a letter to Modi, Choudhary stated, “You are set to inaugurate a college named after Veer Savarkar under the University of Delhi. NSUI strongly demands this institution be named after former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. His recent passing has left a deep void and the most fitting tribute to his legacy would be to dedicate premier educational institutions in his name.”

Choudhary also highlighted Singh’s significant contributions, stating his initiatives “revolutionised” India’s education system.

The NSUI has called for a world-class college under the University of Delhi or Central University to be named after Dr Manmohan Singh. Choudhary concluded, stating naming institutions after the late Prime Minister would inspire generations.