Chandigarh – A controversial proposal to rename Panjab University to “Panjab and Haryana University” has ignited a passionate debate across the region, stirring strong emotions and sharp political reactions in both Punjab and Haryana. The suggestion, put forth by Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) President Anurag Dalal, though later apologized for, has opened a Pandora’s Box of discussions on historical legacy, regional identity, and the very essence of the prestigious institution.
Anurag Dalal, a student leader hailing from Haryana, submitted a memorandum to Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig proposing the renaming on the last working day of his term. His rationale reportedly stemmed from the demographic reality of the university, citing that nearly half of the students on campus hail from Haryana. Dalal argued that the name should reflect this demographic reality and draw parallels with the “Punjab and Haryana High Court,” which jointly serves both states. He also suggested that it would provide rightful recognition and equitable representation for students from Haryana, a claim that found support from some political figures, including Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, who even pledged to raise the matter in Parliament.
However, the proposal immediately triggered a significant backlash, particularly from Punjab. Critics view the renaming as an affront to Punjab’s historical, cultural, and emotional legacy associated with the university. Panjab University, established in 1882 in Lahore (now in Pakistan) and later relocated to Chandigarh after Partition, holds a profound symbolic significance for Punjabis as a custodian of their language, heritage, and identity. Aam Aadmi Party MP Malvinder Singh Kang, a former PUCSC president himself, articulated this sentiment, stating, “Panjab University is not just an academic institution — it is Punjab’s cultural, emotional and historical legacy. Its name reflects our identity before and after Partition.” He further pointed out that Haryana’s colleges had voluntarily disaffiliated from Panjab University in 1973, rendering current demands for renaming or re-affiliation “unconstitutional and baseless.”
Facing intense criticism from various student groups, alumni, and political organizations across Punjab, Anurag Dalal subsequently issued an apology to the student community via a social media video. In his apology, he stated, “I am not into divisive things… if anyone felt bad, I apologise.” However, significantly, Dalal remained silent on the specifics of the letter he had sent to the Vice-Chancellor, leaving many questions unanswered about the sincerity of his apology or the underlying motives behind the original proposal. Despite the backlash, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda has not issued any clarification or retraction of his support for the renaming idea.
The controversy has also exposed fissures within student politics at Panjab University. PUCSC Vice President Archit Garg, hailing from Punjab, publicly opposed the proposal, labeling it “unnecessary and disconnected from student needs.” Even members of Dalal’s own student party, Student Front, voiced dissent, with some describing the proposal as a “distraction from real student issues.” Political leaders from Punjab, cutting across party lines, including AAP and BJP, have unequivocally rejected the renaming demand, terming it an “insult to Punjab’s heritage.”
The debate over Panjab University’s name is not new; it often resurfaces in the context of financial dependency and affiliation issues. Haryana has, in the past, offered to bear a significant portion (up to 40%) of the cash-strapped university’s annual expenses in exchange for the affiliation of its colleges in nearby districts, a proposition consistently rejected by Punjab. The university was declared an “inter-state body corporate” under Section 72 (1) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, an arrangement that has been a point of contention for decades.
This latest controversy, while seemingly settled by Dalal’s apology, underscores the deep-rooted cultural and historical sensitivities surrounding Panjab University’s identity. It serves as a reminder that institutions often carry more than just academic weight; they embody collective memory, heritage, and regional aspirations, making any attempts at alteration highly contentious and emotionally charged. The discussions sparked by this proposal are likely to resonate for some time, keeping the university’s identity at the forefront of regional discourse.
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