Executive Council approves proposal to rename the institution in Bhopal; historians and citizens recall Barkatullah Bhopali’s contribution
BHOPAL — A proposal to rename Barkatullah University in Bhopal has moved a step closer to becoming reality after the university’s Executive Council approved a resolution to change its name to Maa Vagdevi Bhojpal University. The proposal will now be sent to the Madhya Pradesh government for final approval.
The decision has triggered discussion among academics, students, historians and residents of Bhopal, many of whom have pointed to the historical importance of the freedom fighter after whom the university is currently named.
According to university officials, the Executive Council passed the proposal unanimously during a meeting this week. If approved by the state government, the university will officially adopt the new name following the issuance of a government notification.
University Registrar Samar Bahadur Singh confirmed the development.
“Yesterday, a meeting of the Executive Council was held in the university, where a proposal was presented suggesting that the name of Barkatullah University be changed to ‘Vagdevi Bhojpal University’. The Executive Council unanimously approved the proposal,” he said.
He added, “Following the passage of the proposal, I will formally write to the government regarding the necessary further action. Once the administration grants approval, the next step will be the issuance of an official notification. The final decision will be taken at the government level.”
The proposal has renewed public interest in the life and contribution of Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali, one of the prominent figures of India’s freedom movement, who spent much of his life campaigning against British rule outside India.
Many citizens and historians have questioned whether changing the name of the university could diminish public recognition of a freedom fighter whose contribution to the independence movement remains significant.
Barkatullah University was named after him in 1988 as a tribute to his role in the struggle against British colonial rule.
Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali was born in Bhopal in 1854. He received a traditional Islamic education and also learned English. From an early age, he was known for his opposition to British rule in India.
As his political activities expanded, he became associated with the Ghadar Party, a revolutionary movement formed by Indians living abroad who sought to end British rule in India.
Historians describe him as one of the leading voices of the overseas Indian revolutionary movement during the early 20th century. He travelled extensively and worked in several countries, including Japan, the United States, Germany and Afghanistan, seeking international support for India’s independence.
One of the most notable chapters of Barkatullah’s political life came during the First World War.
In December 1915, a provisional Indian government was established in Kabul, Afghanistan, in an effort to challenge British authority and seek international backing for India’s freedom movement.
The government was headed by Raja Mahendra Pratap as President, while Barkatullah served as Prime Minister.
The formation of this government is regarded by historians as an important attempt to secure global support for India’s struggle against colonial rule.
Barkatullah continued to campaign internationally for Indian independence and became known for his speeches and writings against British colonialism.
Historical records show that he also travelled to Soviet Russia, where he met Vladimir Lenin following the Bolshevik Revolution. His interactions with international political figures reflected his efforts to build support for India’s anti-colonial movement beyond the country’s borders.
Through articles, speeches and political advocacy, he worked to keep the issue of Indian independence before audiences around the world.
The proposal to rename the university has generated differing views.
Supporters of the move argue that the new name reflects the cultural and historical identity of the region and should be considered by the state government.
Others believe that institutions named after freedom fighters serve as reminders of the sacrifices made during the independence movement and should retain those names.
A retired academic from Bhopal said, “Whatever decision is ultimately taken, people should know who Barkatullah Bhopali was and what he contributed to India’s freedom struggle. His role is an important part of our history.”
Several students also said that the debate has encouraged them to learn more about the revolutionary leader and his contribution to the country.
Although the Executive Council has approved the proposal, the renaming process is not yet complete.
The recommendation will now be examined by the Madhya Pradesh government, which will take the final decision. Only after official approval and notification will any name change come into effect.
Until then, Barkatullah University continues to operate under its existing name, while public debate over the proposal and the legacy of one of India’s lesser-known freedom fighters is expected to continue.
