A major controversy has erupted after the International University, Dimapur (formerly The Global Open University Nagaland), named its newly opened Central Library after Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Many people see this as a move that promotes a divisive ideology.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has strongly opposed this decision, calling it a challenge to India's secular and inclusive values. In a statement, the NPCC criticized the university for supporting an ideology that goes against the principles of the Indian Constitution.
"Building a library is a good initiative, but naming it after the founder of an organization known for promoting a Hindutva-driven agenda shows the university’s bias and lack of inclusivity," the statement said. The NPCC also pointed out that this decision is particularly troubling because Nagaland has a large minority population.
The party further accused the RSS of pushing a majoritarian agenda and stated that naming the library after Hedgewar is like "adding insult to injury" for minorities in Nagaland and across India.
Vowing to oppose any attempts to "influence young minds with divisive ideas," the NPCC stated that it would stand firmly against such moves in educational institutions.
The university has not yet responded to the criticism, but this issue is likely to spark further discussions on the role of educational institutions in maintaining India's secular values. (PR)