Author S Sharadakutty has criticised centre’s move to name the new campus of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Akkulam after RSS ideologue M S Golwalkar through her Facebook post. What sort of historical consciousness are the authorities trying to instil upon the people by naming a centre for science and technology after Golwalkar? Our academic institutions should not become the seat of superstitions, outdated ideas, hate and communalism. She also said that such institutions should function as light-bearers in showing new paths to students of the future. Center decided to name the new campus of RGCB after Golwalkar on Saturday.

His Facebook post is as follows:

When I went to Pondicherry university for the admission of my daughter, the most important thing which grabbed my attention is the names of their hostels, Subramanya Bharati Hostel, Kambar hostel, Bharathiar hostel, Tagore hostel, Maulana Abul Kalam Hostel, Mother Teresa hostel, Madam Curie hostel, Kalpana Chaula hostel, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan hostel, Kalidasa hostel, Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, Saraswati all these are names of the hostels.

At that time I thought that hotels of an academic institution, where students reside, reminding our common political, historical, academic and environmental past symbolises that institution’s excellence. Although I didn’t know about the politics in the university campus, still I felt honoured that my daughter is studying in such a historical setting.

The central government thinks Golwalkar’s name is perfect to name for an academic institute in Kerala. What sort of historical consciousness does this create in society? Our academic varsities should not become the seats of superstitions, outdated ideas, hate and communalism. Such institutes of eminence should function as light-bearers in showing new paths to students of the future.