In a significant development for Nagpur University, the long-stalled project to install statues of iconic social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule on its campus has finally received a fresh lease of life. The initiative, which has been in limbo for nearly seven years, saw a major breakthrough during a recent university senate meeting.
MLA's Funding Offer Breaks Years-Long Deadlock
The pivotal moment arrived when Umred MLA Sanjay Meshram stepped forward and offered to finance the entire project using his MLA Local Area Development (MLA-LAD) funds. This commitment effectively removed the final and most persistent hurdle that had kept the project grounded since its initial proposal in 2017.
The original proposal was championed by then-senate member Dr. Prashant Dekate, who sought to honour the Phule couple's monumental legacy, particularly their pioneering work in advancing women's education in India. While the university senate had approved the idea and even formed a dedicated committee to select a suitable location, the project soon fell into a state of inertia.
Committee Inactivity and Leadership Changes
For years, the project made no headway, primarily due to the committee's lack of activity. The situation was further complicated when the original chairperson could not dedicate sufficient time to the task. In response, Dinesh Sheram was appointed as the new committee chair. However, even this leadership change failed to catalyze progress, with only a single meeting convened and no concrete outcomes.
The issue was brought to the forefront once again during Friday's senate meeting by member Rahul Hanwate, who questioned the administration about the prolonged delay. The university administration clarified its position, stating it was prepared to allocate space but emphasized that the authority to finalize the statue's location rested solely with the designated committee.
A Promise of Swift Action
Taking note of the discussions and the new funding opportunity, the committee chair, Dinesh Sheram, provided a concrete assurance to the senate. He promised that a committee meeting would be scheduled within the next 15 days with the specific agenda of finalizing the installation site on the university campus. This commitment marks the most tangible progress the project has seen in years.
The revival of this project is being seen as a crucial step in acknowledging the profound contributions of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule to social justice and educational reform. Their statues on the campus will serve as a permanent inspiration for students and faculty, reminding them of the power of education to transform society.
