What prompted me to write this letter was the recent shortlisting of names for Goa’s proposed third district. The inclusion of “Atal,” a name not rooted in Goan ethos, was concerning, though it was a relief when it was eventually replaced by “Kushavati.” That said, with Goa facing record debt, creating a third district itself seems questionable.
More importantly, the naming of districts, hospitals, stadiums, and government buildings after non-Goan figures has become routine since central, Delhi-based parties began governing Goa. The Congress named the Bambolim Medical Complex after Rajiv Gandhi and Fatorda Stadium after Nehru. The BJP has continued this trend with names such as Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium and Atal Setu Bridge.
This is not about support or opposition to these individuals. Goa, like many regions in India, has a distinct language, culture, and identity. Imposing names rooted in non-Goan, largely North Indian ethos contributes to what is increasingly termed the “Delhification of Goa.”
Do we not have our own freedom fighters, sports icons, and eminent Goans? Naming public institutions after Goan personalities is something Goans”and especially Goan politicians”must seriously reflect upon.
