JNU to be renamed as Swami Vivekanand University? BJP leaders demand a change of name to induce ‘nationalism’ in students

Just four days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had virtually unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda on the JNU campus and asserted that people may have ideological differences, but ideology should be seen supporting and not opposing the nation in matters of national interest.

The Prime Minister had said that the statue will inspire everyone and instill courage and compassion that Swami Vivekananda wanted to see in people.

BJP General Secretary CT Ravi on Monday demanded that Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University be rechristened after Swami Vivekananda. “It is Swami Vivekananda who stood for the Idea of Bharat. His philosophy & values signify the “Strength of Bharat. “It is only right that Jawaharlal Nehru University be renamed as Swami Vivekananda University,” Ravi said.

Following Ravi’s statement, many other leaders, BJP workers and indiduals demanded the name change saying it would ‘induce nationalism’ in the minds of students studying there.

Jawaharlal Nehru University has long been considered a citadel of the Left, with student unions affiliated to it calling the shots in the campus. The BJP and Hindutva groups, including RSS’ student wing ABVP, have often claimed that those with “anti-national” sentiments have found support from the Left-affiliated bodies.