The Kalam-Aurungzeb controversy was about historical relevance. Instead, we should have debated how the Government can earn revenue by auctioning road names
When APJ Kalam became the President of India, much was expected of him and he surpassed those expectations. Kalam was known to exude positivity. During his later part of life, he travelled around and became a source of inspiration and a role model for millions of people, and he did this till his last breath. So, the re-naming of a road after his name is just a minor tribute to him. Sadly, people have raised objections to the re-naming of Aurangzeb road to APJ Abdul Kalam road, principally due to the destruction of a name that has historical relevance.
Does Kalam’s name not signal a more self confident and assertive nation and that he is part of a new history being writtenIJ As for Aurangzeb's name being displaced, his deeds should be compared with those of Akbar. Both ruled our country for 50 years. Akbar, Emperor of India, a scholarly work (1909) by Richard Von Garbe, outlines Akbar's near vegetarianism, love for hunting, involvement in science, ban on child marriages, creating an efficient just administrative structure and much more. Reading up on Aurangzeb will make many want to know less about him. Should the roads of Delhi be a map of history or do we need names of those who inspire usIJ If the name of Akbar were to be replaced, yes, nobody would like it.
When Connaught Place was re-named as Rajiv Chowk, many were opposed to the decision. Now, metro users refer to the station as Rajiv Chowk, while many young visitors know it as CP. Connaught had relevance to the British about 100 years ago, when they named various structures and spaces. In fact, there are still many spaces that are yet to be named. For example, in Delhi, crossings and roundabouts are yet to be named. One of the favourites is the quaint one, the oval, adjoining a cemetery, near the University Grants Commission (Dholpur house) and Hotel Taj Man Singh. It can be re-named as Raman Oval after the scientist. One-word names are easier to mouth and remember. So names such as Krishna Menon Marg can be changed to Krishna Marg or Menon Marg.
Many names in the national capital are by default. Safdurjung's tomb is a boundary of lutyens Delhi and the airport next to it became Safdurjung Airport. Such names can be changed and even sold on a tenurial basis. A name like JRD Airport will be more apt. Similarly, the name of Safdurjung hospital can be auctioned with no loss to the patients, history and gain to the asset owning authority. This does go on to a certain extent.
In 2009, Abhishek Singhvi, a Congress leader put up a chunk of money as thanksgiving to the Supreme Court Bar Association for a naming a library in the Supreme Court after his father lM Singvi. However, after a few years, the Association raised an additional demand and an unseemly dispute arose. Such name auctioning should always be backed by clear over-the-counter agreements. In the US, naming of roads, streets etc is usually backed by a substantial endowment and this often brings in additional revenues. Auctioning is often labelled as crass commercialisation, but then, the option is a hash of various forms of favouritism and if naming is not allowed, it is a waste of an intellectual property resource.
As for having discussions, committees and consensuses in choosing names, it just sounds good. Choosing names of scientists who are often inspiring people is a good idea. SN Bose is known for the Bose-Einstein statistics. JC Bose an earlier scientist refused to patent most of his work and scientifically investigated the possibility of consciousness in plant life. So creating a Bose Avenue will celebrate that name.