Koriawas naming controversy settled; hospital to bear Rao Tularam’s name

The 191-day-long dispute over the naming of Maharishi Chyawan Medical College, Koriawas, came to an end on Sunday after Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the general hospital to be built on the college premises would be named “Shaheed Rao Tularam.”

The CM made the announcement while addressing the state-level Maharaja Shoor Saini Jayanti celebrations in Narnaul, where he was the chief guest. Residents of Koriawas and nearby villages had been sitting on a dharna outside the medical college for nearly six-and-a-half months, demanding that the institution be named after freedom fighter Rao Tularam. Following the CM’s declaration, the protesters called off their agitation.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 19 development projects worth Rs 84 crore, asserting that no effort would be spared in the development of Narnaul. He also announced that unapproved colonies in the region would be regularised as per norms.

Calling Ahirwal “the land of the brave,” Saini said, “This sacred soil has given birth to countless warriors who have dedicated everything to the nation. Visiting such a land of sacrifice is a matter of great fortune for him. Today, the glory of Maharaja Shoor Saini has further sanctified this place.”

He described Maharaja Shoor Saini as “a mighty, learned, righteous, spiritual and people-centric ruler” whose kingdom reflected “true socialism.”

Extending greetings on the occasion of Maharaja Shoor Saini Jayanti, the CM said the Saini community had a long and illustrious history.

“Social reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and India’s first woman teacher Savitribai Phule are jewels of the Saini community… They dedicated their entire lives for the uplift of the weaker sections,” he said.

Highlighting the community’s role in the freedom struggle, Saini noted, “The Saini community played a significant role… It gave freedom fighters such as Sardar Mehnga Singh Saini, Ajit Singh Saini and Hari Singh Saini, who were part of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj.”

He also recalled contributions of Sant Shree Likhmidas, military commander Gulab Chand Saini, social reformer Babu Jagdev Prasad Kushwaha, hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand Kushwaha and Chandigarh’s Rock Garden creator, Padma Nek Chand Saini.

Addressing the gathering, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said both Central and state governments were committed to the welfare of all communities.

“The victory march that began in 2014 continues even today… The BJP government is working for the development of all sections, and it is evident that by 2029, Haryana will become Congress-free,” he asserted.

Ministers Mahipal Dhanda, Ranbir Singh Gangwa and Arti Singh Rao, BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli, MP Dharambir Singh, MLAs Om Prakash Yadav, Dr Krishan Kumar and Kanwar Singh Yadav and former minister Ram Bilas Sharma were present on the occasion.