Even when tide around renaming of Dyal Singh college (evening) as Vande Mataram Mahavidyalaya has not receded completely, a fresh ripple has further amplified it, after a senior member of the Governing Body (GB) of the college asserted that he and a few others were deliberately kept away. The GB meeting, which took the decision of renaming the college, was held behind the closed doors.
The Governing Body of Dyal Singh College (DSC) on 17 November passed a resolution to change the name of the evening college to 'Vande Mataram' creating'unrest' among the teaching community of Delhi University particularly the left faction.
The senior member who does not wish him to be named told while talking to The Pioneer, that the GB decision was not unanimous in true sense as he was made to agree on it or was apprised of the decision afterwards. He implicitly said that he was made to sit outside the room where the meeting took place. He also alleged that the decision of renaming the college has been taken under the "political influence" and with "political mindset". He termed it as an insult to the Dyal Singh Majithia , its founder after which the college has been named. A renowned educationist and philanthropist Dyal Singh was also the founder of Punjab National Bank and Tribune newspaper.
"It is our joint responsibility to maintain the sanctity of our heritage and respect it. If we are not doing it we are really insulting the person who has done nothing in the name of religion, caste etc. but only for the education," he said.
When asked for his comments, Amitabh Sinha, the BJP leader and the Chairman of the college GB said that the decision was taken 'unanimously' and the attendance of members have been marked.
The Chairman informed that the GB has nearly about 15 members — including Principals of morning and evening colleges, two teacher representative each from morning and evening, one non-teaching staff each from morning and evening, treasurer of Delhi University and other members. He further said that there is nothing "anti-Sikh" in the renaming and the protest on the issue was planned by the political parties like AAP, Congress and left parties.