A debate surrounding the potential renaming of Delhi University’s Dyal Singh Evening College has drawn the attention of prominent political figures, with Shiromani Akali Dal leader Naresh Gujral expressing his views on the matter. Gujral has welcomed a proposal to rename the institution as Dyal Singh Majithia College, asserting that such a move would effectively preserve the legacy of the philanthropist after whom the college is named.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the college’s principal, Bhawna Pandey, had informed agitated staff members of the proposed name change from Majithia College to Dyal Singh Majithia College. Gujral stated that the institution should either adopt this new name or retain its current designation. He emphasised the widespread pride in Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia’s contributions, highlighting his self-funded establishment of educational institutions to provide quality education to Indians. Gujral expressed his bewilderment at the college’s managing committee’s repeated attempts to alter the institution’s name, voicing hope for a resolution that either maintains the existing name or revises it to Dyal Singh Majithia College.
The core of the ongoing discussion stems from remarks made by Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh in December 2025. At that time, Singh had indicated a proposal to rename the college as Banda Singh Bahadur College. The primary objective behind this suggestion was to differentiate it from the Dyal Singh Morning College, a move that subsequently ignited a significant reaction from admirers of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia and the College Staff Association. Protesters voiced concerns that the proposed renaming would dilute the memory and legacy of the esteemed philanthropist.
Further complicating the situation, on May 23, the college’s governing body put forth a suggestion to incorporate ‘Majithia College’ as a secondary name alongside ‘Banda Singh Bahadur College’ in the renaming proposal. This compromise was, however, met with rejection from the staff association, who opposed any alteration that strayed from honouring the original benefactor.
In response to the evolving situation, the college has now submitted a fresh proposal. This new proposal offers ‘Dyal Singh Majithia College’ as an alternative option, presented alongside the initially suggested name, ‘Banda Singh Bahadur College’. The college administration appears to be seeking a middle ground amidst the conflicting sentiments and demands.
This is not the first instance of Naresh Gujral voicing opposition to a proposed name change for the institution. In 2017, he had also publicly opposed a proposal to rename the college as Vande Mataram College, a move that was ultimately abandoned.
The complex situation highlights the sensitivity surrounding the naming of educational institutions and the importance of preserving the historical and philanthropic legacies associated with them. As the debate continues, the Dyal Singh Majithia College name appears to be emerging as a point of contention, with various stakeholders advocating for different outcomes that reflect their understanding of the institution’s heritage and future identity.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
