Indian Army Launches Major Renaming Initiative to Honor National War Heroes
In a significant move to shed colonial-era symbols and reinforce a distinct national identity, the Indian Army has undertaken a comprehensive exercise to rename 246 roads, buildings, and facilities across its military establishments. This initiative aims to honor Indian war heroes, gallantry awardees, and distinguished military leaders, marking a deliberate shift from the country's colonial past.
Scope and Details of the Renaming Exercise
According to Indian Army officials, the renaming effort is part of an ongoing strategy to move beyond colonial-era symbols and anchor the military's identity in India's own rich military heritage. The exercise covers a wide range of infrastructure, including 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and military facilities, and 18 other facilities such as parks, training areas, sports grounds, gates, and helipads.
Key figures being honored include:
- Arun Khetrapal
- Abdul Hamid
- Dhan Singh Thapa
- Sundar Singh
- Piru Singh
Specific Changes Across Major Cantonments
In the Delhi Cantonment area, several notable changes have been implemented. Kirby Place, previously used for officers' accommodation, has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, while Mall Road is now Arun Khetrapal Marg. Other significant renamings in Delhi Cantt include:
- Tigris Road becoming Hoshiar Singh Marg
- Cassel Road transformed into Manekshaw Marg
- Maude Road (DCB Road) extended as Thimayya Marg
- Lorry Road renamed as Ramawamy Parmeshwaran Marg
- Gymnasium Road changed to Padmapani Acharya Marg
- Kotwali Road now Capt Anuj Nayyar Road
- Probyn Road Timarpur becoming Shaitan Singh Marg
Residential colonies in Delhi Cantt have also seen transformations:
- Baird Place is now Anuj Nayaar Vihar
- Kirby Place renamed as Kenuguruse Vihar
- Tubrak Link changed to Gurdiyal Vihar
- Kingsway Camp (Timarpur) transformed into Joginder Singh Vihar
- Nicholson Line becoming Digendra Kumar Vihar
- Khyber Line (behind MC) renamed as Abdul Hamid Vihar
- Tigris Maude Line changed to Jadunath Vihar
- Poultry Farm transformed into Ram Chander Vihar
Renaming Across Other Military Establishments
The initiative extends beyond Delhi, with changes implemented in various cantonments nationwide:
- In Ambala Cantt, Patterson Road Quarters has been renamed Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave
- In Mathura Cantt, New Horn Line is now Abdul Hamid Lines
- Queens Line Road in Jaipur Cantt will be called Sundar Singh Marg
- New Birdwood Line in Bareilly Cantt transformed into Thimayya Colony
- Malcolm Lines in Mhow Cantt renamed as Piru Singh Lines
Changes in Training Institutions and Military Stations
At the prestigious Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Colins Block and Kingsway Block have been renamed Nubra Block and Kargil Block, respectively, honoring significant military campaigns.
Other notable changes include:
- Fort William in Kolkata renamed Vijay Durg
- Sports Complex in Rangapahar Military Station transformed into Laishram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex
- Spear Lake Marg at Zakhama Military Station now called Hangpan Dada Marg
This comprehensive renaming exercise represents a significant step in the Indian Army's efforts to celebrate indigenous military heritage and create a lasting legacy for future generations of soldiers and citizens alike.
