Monday, June 04, 2007

So KGMU loses its name

The name of KGMU/KGMC - King George Medical University has been changed to CSMMU - Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University. With every name change comes a phase of adaptation. I meet friends with Mumbai connection who still call the Shivaji Terminus as VT (Victoria Terminus). With all the respect to Shri Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj whose contribution to the society should be recognized, it still raises question of how the institutes should be named. Are we losing our liberal mindset to still be offended by name King George? After all, this Prince of Wales had laid the foundation of this premier medical institute in Lucknow. Foreigner/Occupier indeed but the cause was good and shouldn't that be recognized too? It was okay to change Bombay to Mumbai or Madras to Chennai because those were their historic names. Or, naming a brand new University on Mahatma Gandhi or Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj. But places with strong historical bonds or someone's constructive contributions should also be recognized and so what if it was a Prince of Wales?

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