BOMBAY or MUMBAI? The old debate and Indian hypocrisy I’m not a Shiv-Sainik, neither do I endorse MNS, but I’m a Marathi and very proud of that. Of course, that doesn’t make me less of an Indian. In fact, it makes me understand and respect the diversity of this nation. I’m Marathi and that’s what made me liberal and open. But I do consider it is disrespecting to the people of this state when somebody uses “Bombay” instead of “Mumbai” to refer to the city. More so, when they say Chennai instead of Madras or Kolkata instead of Calcutta or Vadodara instead of Baroda- Why not use the same rule to all? Not just Marathi, but Gujrathi, Kannad and Sindhi languages referred to the city as Mumbai since old days. Hindi, Urdu and Persians called it as Bambai. When the English name was changed in 1995, The UK, US, France and most others have accepted use of Mumbai. The Portugese (who first developed the city and because of whom the name Bombaim came into existence and later turned into Bomaby), call it Mumbai now. But then there are a few Indians who would not accept the change. Insisting on Mumbai while using Channai or Kolkata, is another example of Indian hypocrisy. I’m not saying one should change names of Bombay Gymkhana, Bombay Hospital or Bombay Scottish School. But avoiding use of Mumbai? Isnt it demeaning? What to do with such people?
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 09:49:27 +0000
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