Move to rename PU faces strong opposition as PUCSC President proposes 'Panjab and Haryana University'
By Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, May 31, 2025 — A fresh storm has erupted on Panjab University’s historic campus following a controversial proposal by the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) President Anurag Dalal, who has suggested renaming the university to Panjab and Haryana University.
In a letter submitted to the Vice Chancellor on Friday, Dalal argued that the proposed name change would reflect Haryana’s historical, cultural, and academic ties to the university.
He pointed out that the Punjab and Haryana High Court, also located in Chandigarh and serving both states, sets a precedent for such dual-state nomenclature.
“Given the shared legacy and influence, it is only logical that our university’s name also reflect that inclusivity,” the letter states.
Dalal cited three primary justifications for the proposal:
- Geographic Relevance: Recognizing Chandigarh's status as the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
- Inclusivity: Acknowledging the university’s role in serving students from both states.
- Institutional Consistency: Mirroring the naming model of joint institutions like the High Court.
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He further claimed that the renaming could lead to greater representation, recognition, and outreach, particularly in Haryana, which has been advocating for a more active role in the university’s governance since 2017.
However, the proposal has triggered swift and fierce backlash, particularly from student groups and political organizations in Punjab. Student body Satth has condemned the move as a direct attack on Punjab’s cultural and educational heritage.
In a statement released on Saturday, Satth asserted that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy, tracing its origins back to Lahore in 1882 and emphasizing that “not a single letter of its name will be allowed to change.”
Critics argue that such a change would dilute the university’s identity and erode Punjab’s historical claim over Chandigarh, a topic already fraught with regional tension. They also see the move as politically motivated, accusing Dalal of aligning with pro-Haryana and pro-Centre factions.
“This is not just a name. It’s our history, our struggle, and our claim,” a spokesperson from Satth stated, calling upon students and civil society across Punjab to unite in opposition.
Meanwhile, university authorities have not issued an official response, though the proposal has sparked debate across campus. The Vice Chancellor’s office has confirmed receipt of the letter and said that all stakeholder views will be considered before any action is taken.