Maharashtra Government to Request Name Change of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai
On November 26, 2025, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced that the state government would formally write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Education to request the renaming of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to IIT Mumbai. This announcement follows recent comments made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh regarding the nomenclature of the prestigious institution.
Background of the Name Change Proposal
The proposal for renaming IIT Bombay has emerged amid a heated debate sparked by remarks made by Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Science and Technology. During a function at IIT Bombay, Singh expressed relief that the name of the institution had not yet been changed to Mumbai, stating:
“As far as IIT Bombay is concerned, thank God it still is this name. You have not changed it to Mumbai. So that’s another compliment to you. And also true for Madras. It remains IIT Madras.”
Reactions to Singh’s Comments
Singh’s comments drew sharp criticism from Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Thackeray accused the central government of harboring a mindset that undermines the Marathi identity, asserting that the name “Mumbai” is significant as it honors Mumbadevi, the city’s original goddess. He stated:
“Our Marathi Mumbai remained in Maharashtra. Now, the bitterness that’s been festering in their bellies for decades is starting to spill out once again.”
Fadnavis’s Commitment to Renaming
In response to the controversy, Fadnavis emphasized the importance of the name “Mumbai” over “Bombay.” He noted that the BJP leader Ram Naik had played a crucial role in the transition from Bombay to Mumbai, reflecting the local identity. Fadnavis stated:
“We always say Mumbai, and not Bombay. We have been consistently trying to ensure that ‘Bombay’ be replaced with Mumbai.”
He reiterated his commitment to writing a letter to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) to advocate for the name change of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai.
Political Implications and Civic Identity
The discussion surrounding the name change is not merely about renaming an institution; it also ties into broader themes of regional identity and political sentiment in Maharashtra. Thackeray indicated that the upcoming Mumbai civic body elections would focus heavily on Marathi identity, suggesting that the name change is part of a larger political strategy.
Concerns Over Regional Identity
Thackeray expressed concerns that there might be attempts to undermine Mumbai’s identity, likening it to past efforts to wrest control of Chandigarh from Punjab. He urged the Marathi populace to remain vigilant against perceived threats to their cultural identity:
“Something similar is brewing in Mumbai’s case. An attempt to quietly take control of the city is definitely underway.”
Public Sentiment and Activism
The call for renaming IIT Bombay has also sparked public activism. MNS workers recently displayed banners outside the IIT Bombay campus, advocating for the institution to be officially renamed IIT Mumbai. This grassroots movement reflects a broader sentiment among certain segments of the population who feel that the name “Bombay” is a remnant of colonialism and does not accurately represent the city’s identity today.
Historical Context of the Name Change
The city of Mumbai was officially renamed from Bombay in 1995 by the Maharashtra government. This change was made to honor the local goddess Mumbadevi and to shed the remnants of British colonial rule. The renaming of prominent institutions and infrastructure has been a part of a larger movement to reclaim local identity and heritage.
Proposals for Further Renaming
In addition to the proposal to rename IIT Bombay, former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has suggested that the Bombay High Court should also be renamed to Mumbai High Court. This reflects a growing trend to align the names of significant institutions with the local identity of Mumbai.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra government’s initiative to rename IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai highlights the ongoing dialogue about regional identity, cultural heritage, and the political landscape in the state. As the proposal moves forward, it will be essential to consider the implications for local identity and the sentiments of the residents of Mumbai.
Note: This article is based on reports from various sources and aims to present a balanced view of the ongoing discussions surrounding the name change of IIT Bombay.
