Surat Municipal Corporation Renames Localities to Honor Marginalized Communities on Martyrs' Day
In a significant move to accord respect to marginalized communities, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) renamed several localities on Friday, which was observed as Martyrs' Day to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary. This initiative came after directives were issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to the state government earlier this month, aiming to eliminate names that alluded to specific castes or communities.
Background and Implementation of the Renaming Initiative
The decision to rename localities stemmed from an application filed by Dr Ambedkar Jankalyan Samiti, Bhopal, on July 9, 2025. The application highlighted that even 75 years after Independence, many lanes and localities in India still bore names indicating caste and community, which were deemed insulting and derogatory. In response, the NHRC directed the state government to address this issue, leading to the identification of 75 place names with community-specific references by the SMC.
Of these 75 identified locations, 31 have been successfully renamed so far. The majority of these localities had names that included caste names of scheduled castes (SCs) or other backward classes (OBCs), which were considered offensive. Rajan Patel, chairman of the SMC standing committee, explained, "At present, 31 places have been renamed. The municipal commissioner and standing committee chairman have been empowered to rename the other such localities. These localities had names that were insulting to certain communities, and this decision was taken based on NHRC directives."
New Names and Historical Context
The new names for these localities were suggested based on eminent people from the communities and other respectful references. For instance, an SC-community settlement in Rander was renamed Surti Street, while one in Kosad received the name Ambedkar Nagar, honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure in the fight for social justice.
This is not the first time such measures have been taken. The social justice ministry had issued a circular on August 16, 1990, directing the Centre and state governments to stop using the word "Harijan" in official documents. Over the years, courts and governments have prohibited the use of other similar caste name-based words to promote equality and dignity.
Empowerment and Future Steps
The SMC has empowered the municipal commissioner and standing committee chairman to continue renaming the remaining identified localities. This step underscores a broader commitment to social justice and inclusivity, aligning with national efforts to eradicate caste-based discrimination from public spaces.
The renaming initiative on Martyrs' Day serves as a poignant reminder of Mahatma Gandhi's legacy in advocating for the rights of all communities, particularly the marginalized. It reflects ongoing efforts to build a more equitable society, free from the vestiges of caste-based prejudices that have persisted for decades.
