Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Vijay Goel urged Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in a letter when the Delhi Government unveils its new official logo on November 1, the English spelling “Delhi” should be replaced with Dilli in the logo and in all future official uses. It should be written as it is spoken.
Goel informed that he had also proposed this change in the Rajya Sabha in 2019, suggesting that the English spelling of our National Capital Region be changed from “Delhi” to Dilli.
Now, as the Government prepares to release the new official logo of Delhi on November 1, it presents a historic opportunity to align the name of our Capital with its true cultural and historical identity.
Goel stated that for centuries, poets, writers, and ordinary citizens have affectionately called this city Dilli. The name embodies our sentiment, tradition, and authentic identity. The current English name “Delhi” is a remnant of the British colonial period, neither matching the Hindi pronunciation nor reflecting our cultural soul.
He pointed out that many Indian cities have already reclaimed their original identities—Bombay became Mumbai, Calcutta became Kolkata, Madras became Chennai. At that time, some historians objected, citing cost and practical difficulties, but those fears proved baseless. Today, these names are proudly accepted.
Similarly, changing “Delhi” to Dilli would be a natural and justified correction without any inconvenience. Explaining the origin of the name, Goel said that the word Dilli is derived from the ancient Sanskrit term “Dhillika” or Dhilli, the name of the city founded by the Tomar kings in the 11th century.
Over time, it evolved into Dilli. During the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, Persian historians referred to it as “Dehli” or Dihli.
Under British rule, the English adopted this Persian version but pronounced it “Delhi,” which then became the official name.
In all Indian languages—Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Haryanvi—the city has always been known and addressed as Dilli. This name represents the emotional bond and cultural identity of the city.
Goel said that with the unveiling of the new logo, this is the perfect time to restore the Capital’s original Indian identity. Including the word Dilli in the official name will not only restore linguistic authenticity but also connect emotionally with millions of citizens who proudly say, Dilli Meri Jaan.
He appealed to the Chief Minister of Delhi to take the initiative by changing the English spelling “Delhi” to Dilli and adopting it across all official communications, signage, and public usage, beginning with the new logo.
Goel concluded by saying that this small yet meaningful step will reaffirm our pride in the language, culture, and living history of our national Capital.