Invading a temple of learning the Moghul way
This statute of Dr. Pranakrushna Parija was installed at the main entrance of Ravenshaw College in 1988, on the occasion of 10th death anniversary of eminent writer, educationist, administrator and scientist of international repute, Prof. Parija who brought immense glory to the college at the international level.
But shockingly, this very statue has been uprooted and devastated by the present authority (Hon’ble VC Mr. Devdas Chhotray, IAS) and has been thrown to a dingy corner of the institution where phenyl bottles, latrine buckets and brooms for cleaning toilets are kept alongside. Both the statue and the marble inscription are now fractured and broken as a result of gross mishandling and hurling. This statue was once standing tall in front of the main entrance (see attached pic Ravenshaw.jpg to know the earlier location of the statue). It was a great source of inspiration for both students and teachers. In many foreign universities including Harvard and Cambridge (see pics), statutes of such great personalities who either studied or taught there (from Einstein to Gagarin), still stand tall, and highly venerated by all. Even there is a custom among generations of students in some universities to kiss the statues of these great personalities after completing their studies.
But shockingly, this very statue has been uprooted and devastated by the present authority (Hon’ble VC Mr. Devdas Chhotray, IAS) and has been thrown to a dingy corner of the institution where phenyl bottles, latrine buckets and brooms for cleaning toilets are kept alongside. Both the statue and the marble inscription are now fractured and broken as a result of gross mishandling and hurling. This statue was once standing tall in front of the main entrance (see attached pic Ravenshaw.jpg to know the earlier location of the statue). It was a great source of inspiration for both students and teachers. In many foreign universities including Harvard and Cambridge (see pics), statutes of such great personalities who either studied or taught there (from Einstein to Gagarin), still stand tall, and highly venerated by all. Even there is a custom among generations of students in some universities to kiss the statues of these great personalities after completing their studies.
Sadly, this is the way how the VC wants to metamorphose Ravenshaw into a Harvard or Cambridge, which he claims to be doing all these days.
History repeats itself. This reminds us of the horrendous scenario during Medieval India when Mughal kings invaded India by demolishing temples. This modern day Mughal king is exactly doing the same thing with this great temple of learning.
Hai Pranakrushna!
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