Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Medical College Named After Laxmanananda Saraswati
The government of Odisha has decided to name a new medical college and hospital in Phulbani after Laxmanananda Saraswati, a VHP leader who was killed in 2008.
The Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, approved this decision to honor Saraswati's work for the tribal people.
The government will also spend money to preserve Saraswati's ashram and build a new hostel for students.
Saraswati was killed during Janmashtami celebrations, which led to violence and many deaths.
The medical college will be a way to remember his contributions.
A government medical college and hospital in Phulbani, Kandhamala district, will be named after VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the naming and allocated Rs 13 crore for the preservation of Saraswati's Jaleshpata Ashram.
Saraswati and four associates were assassinated on August 23, 2008, leading to widespread violence and 40 deaths.
The government will invest Rs 5 crore in a 300-seat student hostel and Rs 3 crore in preserving Saraswati's memorial and heritage site.
Additional funds will be provided for constructing toilets, student hostels, classrooms, and renovating hostel buildings.
- Who
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the BJP government in Odisha
- What
- Naming a medical college and hospital after VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati
- When
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Phulbani, Kandhamala district, Odisha
- Why
- To honor Laxmanananda Saraswati's contributions and sacrifices for the tribal people of the district
Supporters of Naming
Opponents of Naming
Honoring a Leader
Supporters of Naming
Naming the medical college after Laxmanananda Saraswati honors his contributions and sacrifices for the tribal people of Kandhamala district.
Opponents of Naming
Some may argue that naming a public institution after a controversial figure could be divisive and not inclusive of all communities.
- Name of the Medical College
- Laxmanananda Saraswati Government Medical College and Hospital
- Location
- Phulbani, Kandhamala district, Odisha
- Date of Approval
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Fund Allocation for Preservation
- Rs 13 crore
- Fund Allocation for Hostel
- Rs 5 crore
- Fund Allocation for Memorial
- Rs 3 crore
- Date of Assassination
- August 23, 2008
- Number of Deaths in Violence
- 40