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Ravenshaw University is more than a name to the people of Odisha, especially its students, as it embodies an emotion that runs deep in the hearts. Today, known as Ravenshaw University, it was once celebrated as Ravenshaw College and went on to produce many statesmen like Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Biju Patnaik, Nabakrushna Choudhuri, Harekrushna Mahatab, Nandini Satpathy, Pratibha Ray, Jayanta Mahapatra to name a few. For many, it represents not just an institution of learning, but an integral part of their identity and, for some, even their 'first love.'
For 156 years, this Red Empire has been a silent witness to the joys and sorrows of Odisha. Through triumphs and tribulations, Ravenshaw University has stood steadfast, reflecting the rich history, grace, and vitality of Odia spirit. It is a living testament to the pride and connection felt by its people.
Historical Importance and Existence of Ravenshaw
Ravenshaw University is named after Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, a British official appointed Commissioner of Odisha in 1865. Hailing from England, he was known for his efforts to promote education in Odisha, including advancing primary, secondary, technical, and female education. Ravenshaw also supported medical education by establishing a medical school in Cuttack with Dr. W.D. Stewart.
However, Ravenshaw's tenure coincided with the devastating 1866 famine, which many attribute to his mismanagement of resources. While some historians view him as arrogant and negligent, others argue he was misled about the grain reserves. Despite the tragedy, Ravenshaw later expressed deep remorse and worked to improve conditions in Odisha.
Originally named Cuttack College, the institution was renamed Ravenshaw College by the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj to honour his commitment to education.
"The name evokes pride and emotion not because of the surname of a 'biped white mammal' but because of the fact that the institutional name was synonymous with the history of modern Odisha. 'Asmita' being a matter of consciousness tinged with emotion, there should not be any other name of the institute than Ravenshaw. The 'College' would have been a better suffix than 'University'. It is quite well-known that Ravenshaw mishandled the famine situation. He (T.E. Ravenshaw) acted too late. The Cambell Commission stated the obvious. John Beames was highly critical of the administrative competence of T.E. Ravenshaw. However, T.E. Ravenshaw grasped what needs to be done for Odisha in the aftermath of the famine," said a History Professor.
He continued, "It is altogether a different matter that the proposal for naming the Cuttack College as Ravenshaw College comes from the Raja of Mayurbhanj not as a recognition of what T.E. Ravenshaw did for education, infrastructure and irrigation of Odisha alone but because of his support to Raja in quelling 'Bamanghaty' uprising."
The Origin of Controversy
The recent proposal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to discuss the renaming of the University has sparked a controversy. In his statement, Pradhan questioned the actions of TE Ravenshaw during the ‘Na’anka Durbhikya famine and mentioned the failure of the British administration. He further questioned why such a reputed university be named after the British Commissioner.
Opinions of Current and Former Students of Ravenshaw
In his article, Devdas Chhotray, former VC of Ravenshaw University said, “If I were associated with the drafting of the Ravenshaw University Act, I would never have changed the pristine name of ‘Ravenshaw College’ to ‘Ravenshaw University’ for there was no etymological need. Isn’t the Imperial College, London a university still with the old nomenclature of Imperial College? People who love and respect a tradition often cling to it as a fetish.”
“Ravenshaw looked in my imagination like an enormous red whale in a sea of green grass and tall trees. A closer engagement with it in later years made me realize its undeniable role as the precursor of modernity in Odisha,” he said further.
“The university's 156-year history will be wiped out by rebranding Ravenshaw University. Its identity is intrinsically related to its name, which represents both pre-modern and modern Odisha. As a sacred temple of learning, it has been an emotion for the people of Odisha and has a global reputation; thus, retaining its name honours its history and ensures its long-term legacy. Rather than its name, let's improve this institution by other means,” said Sambit Biswaketan, a former student.
“The name should not be changed; rather, it is important to focus on the educational foundation and contextual development of the university. This is because of the name, ‘Ravenshaw University’, that it has gained worldwide recognition. Even today, many students dream of studying at Ravenshaw. Therefore, the name of Ravenshaw University should remain unchanged. The issue of changing Ravenshaw's name has been raised before, and at that time, some young students and intellectuals supported it. However, they emphasized that the focus should be on the work rather than the name. So, even now, when this issue arises, priority should be given to improving the educational foundation and contextual development of the university. This is because the name "Ravenshaw University" has gained global fame. Even today, students from various corners of the world come to this university to gain education. Thus, the name of Ravenshaw University should remain unchanged,” said alumnus Bikash Behera.
“Dharmendra Pradhan has suggested changing the name of Ravenshaw University, arguing that intellectuals should discuss and provide their opinions. T.E. Ravenshaw, after whom the university is named, was the commissioner of Cuttack division during the 1866 famine, which resulted in the deaths of over 1 million people due to his negligence. Originally named Cuttack College, the institution was renamed after a British official, reflecting colonial influence. The story of this period is depicted in the movie Lingaa, which shows how the British pressured local rulers. My opposition is to the name due to Ravenshaw’s colonial legacy, not to the university's contributions to Odisha,” said another student of Ravenshaw University.
“Changing the name of an educational institution is not going to raise the standard of education in any manner. Rather, the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should work towards enhancing the standard of the education system of the country, ensuring no loopholes in the competitive exams conducted by various agencies. The statement from the minister is nothing but just a part of 'Odia Asmita' politics of the BJP,” said a former student of the varsity.
MM Dash, another alumnus of Ravenshaw said, “Ravenshaw is not just a name, it's an emotion. Students, who read there, take immense pride in being 'The Ravenshawvians'. It's a privilege, a few people like me have. Much older than Utkal University from where the Minister has got a degree, Ravenshaw was the only college to get quality higher education in the olden times. Pradhan should know the emotional quotient associated with Ravenshaw.”
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“The government has no business playing with our emotions. Moreover, the name should not be changed on the whims of a Minister who is neither an alumni of the varsity nor understands the emotional quotient associated with the University,” he further alleged.
