New Delhi, August 18 (HS):

During the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma raised concerns about the continued presence of roadways, locations, and institutions named after historical foreign invaders and their legacy in India. Sharma argued that maintaining these names inadvertently celebrates those who perpetrated violence against the country and its people, and undermines enduring cultural values.

He advocated for public spaces to be named after the nation’s own heroes—those who defended India’s honor and contributed to its progress—rather than figures associated with the nation’s subjugation. Sharma highlighted notable precedents such as the renaming of Aurangzeb Road in New Delhi to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road, which pays tribute to the late president’s wisdom and national pride. Similarly, the transition from Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra honors the sacrifice made by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in the face of Aurangzeb's rule.

Sharma voiced apprehension about the impact of sustaining such names, suggesting it sends an unfavorable message to future generations and overlooks the contributions of freedom fighters, saints, scholars, scientists, warriors, and reformers who shaped India’s destiny. He described the issue as one that transcends religious lines, asserting it represents national identity and historical justice rather than sectarian concerns.

Appealing to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sharma called for a comprehensive review and organized effort to rename public sites that currently memorialize historical aggressors, proposing a move towards honoring individuals whose lives embodied India’s values and legacy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar