In a letter written to the Punjab Government, Vashist emphasized the important role Dr. Singh has played in shaping the future of India. He proposed that renaming the college in Hoshiarpur after Dr. Singh would be a meaningful tribute to his exceptional contributions to the nation. Vashist further suggested building a memorial at the college to honor Dr. Singh’s remarkable influence on Indian politics and economics.

NEW DELHI: Virendra Vashist, a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and a Supreme Court lawyer, has made a formal request to the Punjab Government to rename a college in Hoshiarpur after former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. This appeal comes after a recent conversation in which Dr. Singh shared his strong emotional connection to his alma mater in Hoshiarpur, a place that holds a special place in his heart.
In a letter written to the Punjab Government, Vashist emphasized the important role Dr. Singh has played in shaping the future of India. He proposed that renaming the college in Hoshiarpur after Dr. Singh would be a meaningful tribute to his exceptional contributions to the nation. Vashist further suggested building a memorial at the college to honor Dr. Singh’s remarkable influence on Indian politics and economics.
Vashist wrote in his letter, “I hope this message finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to make a humble appeal to the Punjab Government, following a discussion with Dr. Manmohan Singh. It came to light that Dr. Singh shares a deep connection with his alma mater in Hoshiarpur, a place that holds great significance in his heart.”
He added,
“Considering his exceptional contributions to the nation, his dedication to public service, and his enduring connection to this place, I kindly request that the Punjab Government consider renaming the college in Hoshiarpur to honour Dr. Manmohan Singh. Furthermore, it would be fitting to build a memorial at the college to commemorate his legacy, ensuring that future generations are reminded of his remarkable achievements and the inspiration he continues to provide.”
Vashist concluded his letter with,
“I believe this gesture would not only honour a distinguished son of Punjab but also contribute to preserving his invaluable legacy for the benefit of the people and future leaders of our state. Thank you for your attention and consideration of this request. I look forward to your favourable response.”
This appeal comes at a time when the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) also made a similar request. The NSUI wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that a college under the University of Delhi be named after Dr. Manmohan Singh.
The letter stated,
“You are set to inaugurate a college named after Veer Savarkar under the University of Delhi, NSUI strongly demands that this institution be named after Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. His recent passing has left a deep void, and the most fitting tribute to his legacy would be to dedicate premier educational institutions in his name.”
Varun Choudhary, the National President of NSUI, supported the demand, saying,
“It would be a tribute to his academic journey and contributions to the nation.”
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92 due to age-related health issues. His death left the nation in mourning, and his funeral was held with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi’s Kashmere Gate on December 28, 2024, where family, friends, colleagues, and government dignitaries gathered to pay their respects.
This call for renaming the college and building a memorial is seen as a tribute to Dr. Singh’s life and work. His leadership and contributions to India’s economic growth and development have made a lasting impact on the country, and these efforts are meant to honor his legacy for future generations.
