Odisha CM Renames Phulbani Medical College After Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced that the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Phulbani, will be renamed in honour of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, marking the birth centenary celebrations of the Hindu monk and social reformer.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing a commemorative event, saying the decision recognises Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati's contributions to education, tribal welfare and social service in Odisha, particularly in the Kandhamal region.

According to the state government, the medical college will now bear the name Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Government Medical College and Hospital, Phulbani. Officials said the renaming is intended to preserve the legacy of the spiritual leader, who spent decades working among tribal and rural communities.

Speaking at the event, Majhi said the seer's life was dedicated to the upliftment of marginalised communities through education, healthcare awareness and social initiatives. He added that the state government remains committed to honouring individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on Odisha's development.

Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was a prominent figure associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and was known for his work in tribal areas of Kandhamal. He was killed in August 2008, an incident that was followed by large-scale communal violence in parts of Odisha. Authorities have maintained that those responsible for the killing were prosecuted through the legal process.

The Chief Minister's announcement has drawn political attention, with supporters describing the move as a fitting tribute to a leader remembered for his work in education and social reform. Some opposition leaders and civil society groups, however, have called for a broader discussion on the legacy of historical figures whose lives remain subjects of public debate.

The Phulbani medical college, which serves Kandhamal and neighbouring districts, is a key healthcare institution in central Odisha. The government said the renaming would not affect the institution's academic or medical services and that necessary administrative formalities would be completed in due course.

The decision is part of the Odisha government's broader efforts to commemorate notable personalities associated with the state's social, cultural and educational history. Further details regarding the formal notification and implementation of the name change are expected to be issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department.