New Delhi: Many roads, buildings and factories across establishments in the Indian Army bear colonial-era names. This is changing.
In a significant initiative, the Indian Army is doing away with British-era tags and names attached to its establishments. It has started renaming 246 roads, buildings, and facilities nationwide.
What’s behind the move
The initiative aims to boost an institutional identity grounded in India’s own history, ethos and military traditions, while paying tribute to the country’s gallantry awardees, war heroes and illustrious military leaders.
Indian Army officials were quoted as saying by ANI that the remaining exercise covers 124 roads, 77 colonies, 27 buildings and other military facilities, and 18 miscellaneous facilities, including parks, training areas, sports grounds, gates, and helipads.
According to officials, the move underscores an enduring national commitment to commemorate valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army. Recent initiatives like special commemorations of Param Vir Chakra awardees have tried to honour the legacy of India’s brave hearts in public and institutional memory.
Some cantonment areas that have been renamed
The renaming of roads, facilities and colonies has started in various Cantonments and military stations. This is being done to honour Indian soldiers and commanders, including Gallantry Award recipients and eminent military personalities, said officials. Under the initiative, a number roads and localities that have colonial names are being removed and being renamed after Indian heroes so that it reflects Indian courage, gallantry and sacrifice.
In Delhi Cantonment, Kirby Place (Officers Accommodation) will now be called Kenuguruse Vihar. Mall Road has been renamed Arun Khetrapal Marg. In Ambala Cantonment, Patterson Road Quarters will be renamed Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave. In Mathura Cantonment, the new name of New Horn Line is Abdul Hamid Lines.
In Jaipur Cantonment, Queen’s Line Road has been renamed Sundar Singh Marg, and in Bareilly Cantonment, New Birdwood Line will now be called Thimayya Colony. In Mhow Cantonment, the new name of Malcolm Lines is Piru Singh Lines. At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Colins and Kingsway blocks have been rechristened Nubra and Kargil blocks, respectively.