Mangaluru: Officials and syndicate members of Mangalore University have passed a resolution deciding not to rename the public university, bringing clarity to a debate that has resurfaced periodically in recent years. The decision was taken during a recent syndicate meeting after detailed discussions, and the resolution has since been forwarded to the Karnataka government for consideration.
The issue of renaming Mangalore University has been raised multiple times by certain local groups, academics and cultural organisations, who had suggested that the institution be renamed after a prominent personality from coastal Karnataka or be given a name reflecting the region’s culture and tradition. The discussion gained renewed momentum after the Karnataka government proposed that public universities under its jurisdiction could be renamed and suggested several options for consideration.
Syndicate opts to retain existing name
After deliberations, the syndicate and university officials unanimously agreed that there was no compelling need to change the name of the institution. They resolved to retain the existing name, ‘Mangalore University’, citing its long-standing identity, national and international recognition, and emotional value attached to it.
University authorities said the resolution reflected the collective view of various stakeholders, including academicians, administrators and syndicate members, and was aimed at preserving the institution’s identity built over several decades.
Proposed names discussed
Judith Mendonca, a syndicate member, said that during the discussions, two names were mainly proposed for renaming the university — Basavanna and Kudmul Ranga Rao, a noted social reformer from the coastal Karnataka region.
“However, we decided that there was no need to change the name of Mangalore University. The same was resolved in the meeting after everyone was convinced that changing the name will do more harm than good,” Mendonca said.
She added that while the contributions of both personalities were widely respected, the potential consequences of renaming the university outweighed the perceived benefits.
Global recognition a key factor
Mendonca pointed out that Mangalore University, with a history spanning over four decades, is well known across the globe. The institution’s name is recognised by universities, academic bodies and employers worldwide, which plays a crucial role in the academic and professional prospects of its students.
“Changing it to some other name will put our students as well as the university in obscurity, as many people would not recognise it,” she said, emphasising that continuity in the name helps preserve the credibility and visibility the university has built over the years.
Financial and administrative burden highlighted
Sources from the university said that a change in name would also result in a significant financial and administrative burden. Renaming the institution would require changes across multiple platforms and systems, including the university website, official correspondence, signboards, certificates, letterheads, seals and other documents.
“Considering the current financial condition, changing the name of the university is not a wise decision,” Mendonca added. Officials noted that such an exercise would involve substantial expenditure and manpower, diverting resources away from academic and developmental priorities.
Emotional attachment and legacy
Vice-Chancellor P L Dharma also echoed similar views, stating that the university’s name carries emotional significance for thousands of alumni, staff and students.
“Since the Mangalore University name is popular across the globe, and it also holds emotional attachment for many, the decision was made not to rename it,” he said. He added that preserving the legacy of the institution was an important consideration in the decision-making process.
Resolution sent to government
Following the syndicate’s decision, the resolution has been formally forwarded to the Karnataka government for consideration. University officials expressed hope that the government would respect the collective opinion of the university’s governing bodies and allow the institution to continue with its existing name.
Conclusion
The decision to retain the name ‘Mangalore University’ puts to rest, at least for now, the debate over renaming the institution. By prioritising institutional identity, global recognition and financial prudence, the syndicate has signalled its intent to focus on strengthening academic standards and development rather than symbolic changes. Stakeholders believe the move will help safeguard the university’s reputation and continuity in the years to come.