Why Are Major Indian Universities Named After Nehru and Indira Gandhi?

Questioning the Naming of National Institutions

It is worth reflecting on why some of India’s most prominent universities, such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), bear the names of these political leaders. The academic credentials of Jawaharlal Nehru, while respectable, were not extraordinary. Nehru studied at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge, earning an honours degree in natural science, and later qualified as a barrister in London, passing his exams “with neither glory nor ignominy”[1][4]. His educational journey, though privileged, did not set him apart as a scholar of exceptional distinction.

Indira Gandhi, despite her influential role in Indian politics, did not complete a university degree. This stands in stark contrast to many young men and women from less privileged backgrounds across India who, despite significant hardships, manage to complete their graduation and post-graduation[6][9].

Whom Should We Celebrate in Academia?

This raises a larger question: Should our most important educational institutions be named after individuals based primarily on their political legacy, or should we also consider those whose academic achievements are truly remarkable? For instance, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who overcame immense social and economic barriers to earn multiple doctorates abroad, or scientists like C.V. Raman, S.N. Bose, and J.C. Bose, whose contributions to their fields are globally recognized, might be equally, if not more, deserving of such honors. Other national leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Subhas Chandra Bose, Rajaji, and Sardar Patel also had distinguished academic or intellectual backgrounds.

A Call for Balance

While the contributions of the Nehru-Gandhi family to India’s political history are significant, the practice of naming a seemingly unlimited number of institutions after them could be reconsidered. A more balanced approach would recognize a wider array of contributors to India’s intellectual and scientific heritage.

As an example, the United States named its X-ray observatory “Chandra” after the Nobel-winning astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. If India were to launch a similar project, would it automatically be named “Jawahar,” regardless of the field? This rhetorical question highlights the need for broader representation in how we honor our nation’s achievers.

A Note of Apology

If my views have caused offense to anyone, I sincerely apologize. My intention is not to diminish the legacy of any individual, but to encourage a thoughtful discussion about whom we choose to honor in our academic institutions. Sometimes, the truth can be uncomfortable, but it is essential for a healthy democracy to reflect on these issues openly and honestly.

Ganesh Mishra 

Advocate 

Supreme Court & Delhi High Court 

Founder Mishra & Associates 

107 B Vikrant Enclave Mayapuri 

New Delhi 110064 

Tel 91-11-47543026

Mob 91-9136273395

advocateganeshmishra@gmail.com 

www.advocateganeshmishra.in