JNU Plans to Start 'Centre of Excellence' Named After Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

The Jawaharlal Nehru University, JNU has planned to start a ‘Centre of Excellence’ named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The School of International Studies has planned to launch it in the coming session 2025-26. Reports claim that the centre will offer diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The aim is to make students understand the concept of 'Akhand Bharat' and his 'struggle for Hindavi Swaraj'.When contacted, Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of School of International Studies told IE, “The idea to start the centre originated from the Vice-Chancellor and some faculty members… The Maharashtra government too wanted to commemorate the thinking of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his maritime strategies which are internationally recognised.”On being asked the reason behind choosing Shivaji, he said, “The mandate of the school is to teach security and strategy. We teach about many Russian and Chinese thinkers, we also teach about Kautilya and Chanakya. We wanted to add Shivaji Maharaj and his well recognised strategic thinkings too, for the students to benefit.”Student Groups Unhappy with the moveSources told Times Now that conservative student groups are not happy with the move. They suggest that the professors starting these courses are "leftists" and there is already a center for National Security Studies.(This is a developing story, inputs will be added here)