The decision of the Assam government to rename Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College in Barpeta as “Barpeta Medical College and Hospital” has sparked criticism, with many viewing the move as unnecessary and insensitive to the legacy of a prominent national figure.
The institution was named after Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the only person from Assam to have served as the President of India. Critics argue that removing his name from a major public institution undermines the recognition due to a leader who represented the state at the highest constitutional level.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the decision by saying the government aims to bring “uniformity” to the naming of medical colleges across the state, since most government medical institutions in Assam are named after their locations. However, opponents say that administrative convenience cannot justify erasing the name of a historical figure from an institution that has carried it since its establishment in 2011.
Many observers also question the government’s claim that people were confused into thinking the college was a private institution simply because it was named after a person. They argue that such reasoning appears weak and does little to justify altering the identity of a well-known public medical institution.
The medical college, located in Barpeta, has played an important role in healthcare and medical education in the region. Critics say the focus should instead be on improving infrastructure, faculty strength and medical services rather than changing names.
Although the government has said it may name another major institution after Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed in the future, detractors believe this promise does little to offset the symbolic loss. For many, the removal of his name from the college represents not just an administrative change but a disregard for the historical contributions of a respected national leader.
