Berhampur: Khallikote’s academic history has undergone significant changes, transitioning from one of Odisha’s oldest and most esteemed institutions of higher education to the state’s youngest university, a transformation described by many educators as both unprecedented and unfortunate.
Founded as Odisha’s first Cluster University under the RUSA scheme in 2015, Khallikote Cluster University was merged with Berhampur University in 2021, effectively concluding an ambitious higher education initiative after substantial public investment. This merger not only erased the identity of the Cluster University but also downgraded a historic institution to the label of a “Unitary University,” despite operating under the same Oxford-model framework as Ravenshaw University and Gangadhar Meher University.
Recent demands to restore Khallikote’s lost prestige have gained traction following revelations from former Vice-Chancellor Prof Manmath Padhi in his autobiography ‘Kichi Katha Kichi Byatha’.
In an interview, Prof Manmath Padhi, the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of Khallikote Cluster University and a key figure in its educational achievements, emphasized that the state government should reinstate the institution’s unique identity by renaming it Khallikote University, returning the land, assets, and infrastructure that were merged with Berhampur University in 2021, and conducting a thorough investigation into why Odisha is the only state where the UGC-supported Cluster University model was abandoned.
Despite its rich history and significant contributions to higher education, public service, and national leadership, the institution has struggled to retain its former stature. From producing notable figures to serving as a leading educational establishment in South Odisha, its evolution has raised pressing concerns. Why did such a historically significant institution fail to uphold its legacy? Who was accountable for the decisions that led to the erosion of its identity and status? Educators, alumni, and stakeholders believe these inquiries warrant a transparent investigation to ensure accountability and restore the institution’s lost glory for future generations.
