In a bid to reflect their secular character, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has suggested that the words ‘Muslim’ and ‘Hindu’ should be removed from the names of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
The AMU audit did not cover BHU but referred to the institution’s name in its report, according to The Indian Express report.
"In its audit of AMU, the committee suggested that the institution should either be called just ‘Aligarh University’ or be named after its founder, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan," the report pointed.
Seeking anonymity, the UGC panel members said that AMU, being a centrally-funded university, is a secular institution.
About AMU
he university grew out of the work of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the great Muslim reformer and statesman, who in the aftermath of the Indian War of Independence of 1857 felt that it was important for Muslims to gain education and become involved in the public life and government services in India. Raja Jai Kishan helped Sir Syed in establishing the university.
About BHU
Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi.
This Creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India.
The varsity was created under the Parliamentary legislation - B.H.U. Act 1915.