PRAYAGRAJ: After serial changes in names of Allahabad Junction and its satellite stations, Cheoki and Rambagh, the ball has been set rolling to rename Allahabad University too. Nomenclature change of the 133-year-old Central university tops the agenda of the ensuing executive council meeting of AU. A month ago, Allahabad Junction was renamed as Prayagraj Junction, Allahabad City as Prayagraj Rambag and Allahabad Cheoki as Prayagraj Cheoki.
After passage in EC, the proposal would be sent to Union HRD ministry from where it would be tabled in Parliament before approval of the President. The agenda (No. 08/60) of EC mentions a February 10 letter by Raju Saraswat, under-secretary, HRD ministry. The then UP chief secretary had requested name change of the varsity to Prayagraj University in a letter to the Centre on December 4, 2018. The HRD official in his communique also mentioned a letter by former commissioner Allahabad division, Ashish Goyal, with a similar request. The name of Allahabad district was changed to Prayagraj on October 18, 2018.
“In my opinion, names of institutions with a rich legacy should remain unchanged. Madras University and Madras High Court have retained their original names despite the city being renamed Chennai. Why should one change the name of AU”, asked Prof Ashim Mukerjee, member of EC.
Earlier, the executive council meeting was scheduled on Monday (March 16), but because of the coronavirus threat, the meeting was postponed. The next date has not been notified by varsity authorities.
Former president of the AU students’ union, Richa Singh, has requested the Kaushambi MP, Vinod Sonkar, to stop the name change of AU. “I have requested the MP to kindly spare AU and not advocate for changing its name. The institution has a proud past and a bright future,” she said.
Allahabad University may get a new name
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