Patiala (Punjab): The Academic Council of the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala has recommended removing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s name from the university’s name. According to the proposal, the university’s new name can only be “National Law University.”
University Vice Chancellor Professor Jaishankar Singh confirmed that the Academic Council has approved the proposal. However, to implement this change, it will now be sent to the Executive Council and the Punjab government for approval. The university was established by the Punjab government in 2006 under the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab Act.
It is worth noting that in November 2024, Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, had requested the central government to change the university’s name. He argued that the name hurts the sentiments of the Sikh community in the wake of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Congressmen protest: Discussions about changing the name of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law have angered Punjab Congress leaders. Current Congress MLA Pargat Singh, who attended Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Barnala, said, “Changing the name won’t make any difference; these are very cheap statements. If you want to show something, work for the progress of Punjab, which is lagging behind everywhere.”
The government claims in advertisements that it will create millions of jobs every year, but everyone knows the reality. Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, who arrived in Barnala for Rahul Gandhi’s rally, said about changing the name of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, “If changing the name only increases the university’s prestige, then nothing will happen because good arrangements are necessary to promote higher education. Grants and good facilities are everything for a university; changing the name will achieve nothing.”
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu posted on X, saying, “The proposal to remove former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s name from the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, reflects the poor thinking of all those behind it. Rajiv Gandhi was not only India’s former Prime Minister, but he also gave his life to protect the unity and integrity of our country. Removing his name only reflects a low and vile mindset. If the ruling AAP, like its mentor, the BJP, believes it can erase this great and glorious legacy of martyrdom and sacrifice, then it is true.”
