Describing it as a symbol of “slavery”, BJP MLA Raj Purohit has demanded the iconic Gateway of India be renamed as Bharat Dwar. “This monument is a symbol of slavery under the British rule,” Purohit said.
“By renaming it we will be paying tributes to the martyrs of freedom struggle.”
He said he had already met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and was promised his demanded will be looked into.
“We have renamed Bombay to Mumbai, Malabar Hill to Walkeshwar and Victoria Terminus to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Why should this monument, which reminds us of slavery under the British rule, not be renamed,” Purohit said.
One of the most distinguished landmarks of Mumbai, Gateway of India was built in 1924. Its foundation was laid in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai.
It was inaugurated 13 years later, in 1924, and is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture.
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India should be given only one name .People should make up their mind what they should be called.
While there is nothing wrong in renaming India Gate or to that matter any city name as well, I feel it is the mentality of the people that shines out in the end. People of India, as loyal, devoted citizens should not have any inferior complexion. It seems Indians are still mesmerized by English culture and white skin.
Few years back, I went to India with my Indian boss to sign some contracts. We had with us an Englishman, a very good driver and extremely helpful person who took great care of my elderly boss. While we were waiting in his office for the junior minister to arrive, he was two hour late, he went straight to the driver to apologize for being late who directed him to my boss.
Another name that need changing is that of the city of Ahmadabad to its original name was Karnavati. If my historical knowledge is correct, at my well advanced age, the name was changed by the brutal conqueror Ahmed Shah when he conquered and brutalized the city, as always with inside help. Perhaps readers with much superior knowledge of Indian history, may give us, enlighten us with their knowledge.