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The article delves into the trend of renaming iconic places in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, highlighting a deliberate effort to erase colonial imprints and promote cultural heritage. The most recent example is the renaming of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Sri Vijaya Puram. Union Home Minister Amit Shah justified the change, emphasizing the islands' pivotal role in India's freedom struggle and the need to break free from colonial remnants. The renaming, he asserted, symbolizes the victory achieved in the fight for independence.
This isn't an isolated incident. The article cites several other notable instances where names were changed, including the transformation of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh to Prayagraj in January 2019, coinciding with the Kumbh Mela. Similarly, the historic district of Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh was renamed Ayodhya, a significant religious site for Hindus. These renamings, the article suggests, are part of a larger narrative to reclaim India's cultural identity and its pre-colonial history.
The article further examines the renaming of the Mughal Garden at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to 'Amrit Udyan', aligning with the broader agenda of shedding colonial influences. Delhi University's Mughal Garden on North Campus underwent a similar transformation, being renamed the Gautam Buddha Centenary Garden. The article also highlights the change of Delhi's iconic 'Rajpath' to 'Kartvya Path', meaning 'the path of duty', undertaken just before the inauguration of the Central Vista Avenue. This move, while generating strong reactions from the opposition, was ultimately approved by the New Delhi Municipal Council.
Furthermore, the article mentions the renaming of Gurgaon to 'Gurugram' and the neighboring Mewat district to 'Nuh' by the BJP-led Haryana government in 2016. The government justified this change by stating it reflected the people's demand to honor the city's historical significance as a center of education for princes. Lastly, the article mentions the renaming of Ross Islands to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep by the Prime Minister during his visit in 2018, a gesture to acknowledge the historic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and honor the memory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
This article presents a concise overview of the renaming initiatives undertaken under PM Modi's leadership, highlighting the government's intention to reclaim India's cultural identity and erase colonial legacies. The article provides examples of key locations that have been renamed, shedding light on the rationale behind these changes. It also acknowledges the reactions and controversies surrounding these renamings, offering a balanced perspective on this ongoing trend.