Renaming Debate Rekindled
By | Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai: The long-standing debate surrounding the name of one of India’s prestigious institutions, IIT Bombay, has resurfaced with fresh political momentum. The Maharashtra Government has decided to formally urge the Centre to rename IIT Bombay as IIT Mumbai, aligning the institute’s identity with the official name of the city.
Government’s Position
Top state leadership maintains that since Mumbai shed the colonial-era name ‘Bombay’ decades ago, flagship institutions too should reflect the city’s official identity. Government officials argue that renaming the institute would symbolically reinforce the cultural and linguistic roots associated with Mumbai while ensuring administrative uniformity.
Spark Behind the Fresh Controversy
The debate reignited after recent public remarks hinting that IIT Bombay’s name still echoes the city’s past nomenclature. This triggered political reactions and revived the discussion over why such a globally recognised institution continues to carry the older name despite the city’s renaming.
Political Response Across Parties
Political groups across Maharashtra have weighed in strongly. Some leaders have emphasized the importance of cultural integrity and local identity, expressing that the name ‘Mumbai’ represents the city’s indigenous heritage. Others insist that institutions of national prestige must evolve with the regions they represent.
Concerns Over Brand Identity
A section of alumni and education stakeholders, however, has expressed caution. They argue that the name “IIT Bombay” has built decades of global recognition, academic reputation, and brand value. According to them, any alteration must consider the potential impact on international visibility and institutional legacy.
Historical Context of the Name
The city officially adopted the name Mumbai in the mid-1990s as part of a cultural reassertion movement. While several state institutions realigned their names to reflect this change, IIT Bombay retained its original name as it falls under the central government’s purview. This historical distinction continues to shape the present debate.
Awaiting Centre’s Decision
With the Maharashtra Government preparing to write to the Prime Minister and the Union Education Ministry, the final call rests with the Centre. The decision is expected to spark wide discussions on heritage, modern identity, and the naming conventions of nationally crucial institutions.
A Larger Question
The renewed discussion extends beyond the institute itself — touching upon how India balances its colonial past, regional identity, cultural sentiments, and globally recognised academic brands.
