Will Write to PM to Rename IIT Bombay as IIT Mumbai: Fadnavis
Mumbai, November 26, 2025 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced his intention to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the renaming of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to IIT Mumbai. This decision comes in the wake of comments made by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, which sparked significant controversy.
Background of the Controversy
During a recent event at IIT Bombay, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed gratitude that the institution still retained its name, stating, “As far as IIT Bombay is concerned, thank God it still has this name. You have not changed it to Mumbai. So that’s another compliment to you.” His remarks were perceived as dismissive of the city’s identity, igniting a backlash from various political figures.
Political Reactions
Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), was particularly vocal in his criticism of Singh’s comments. He accused the central government of attempting to connect Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with Gujarat, stating, “Jitendra Singh’s statement is a symbol of the government’s mentality. The nausea in the stomach of those against Maharashtra has come out again.” Thackeray’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among some politicians who feel that the cultural identity of Maharashtra is under threat.
MNS Response
In response to Singh’s comments, the MNS took a bold step by putting up posters in front of the IIT Bombay Powai campus, renaming it as IIT Mumbai. This action was meant to assert their stance on the issue and rally support for the name change.
Fadnavis’s Position
Chief Minister Fadnavis defended the need for the name change, emphasizing the significance of Mumbai over Bombay. He stated, “The biggest contribution for changing the name of Bombay city to Mumbai is due to BJP leader Rambhau Naik. For us, it is not Bombay, but Mumbai. All traces of Bombay should be erased and Mumbai should be everywhere.”
Letter to the Prime Minister
Fadnavis confirmed that he would personally write to both the Prime Minister and the Human Resource Minister, requesting the official change of name from IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to reinforce local identity and pride in the state of Maharashtra.
Criticism of Political Leaders
Fadnavis also took a jab at Raj Thackeray, suggesting that some politicians conveniently ignore the names of prestigious institutions their children attend. He pointed out that Thackeray’s children studied at the elite Bombay Scottish School, which retains the name “Bombay.” This comment aimed to highlight what Fadnavis perceives as hypocrisy among political leaders who advocate for name changes while benefiting from the old nomenclature.
Comparative Remarks
Fadnavis’s remarks were not isolated. He noted that other political figures, including himself, had also sent their children to schools with “Bombay” in their names, thereby questioning the sincerity of their advocacy for a complete renaming of institutions in the region.
Historical Context
The debate over the name “Bombay” versus “Mumbai” is not new. The city was officially renamed Mumbai in 1995, a change that was part of a larger movement to reclaim local identity and heritage. The name “Mumbai” is derived from the local goddess Mumbā Devi and reflects the city’s Marathi roots.
Public Sentiment
The public reaction to the proposed name change has been mixed. While some support the idea of renaming IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai as a matter of local pride, others argue that the institution’s global recognition is tied to its current name. This debate raises questions about identity, heritage, and the implications of renaming established institutions.
Support for Renaming
- Supporters argue that renaming IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai would strengthen local identity.
- They believe it would reflect the cultural and historical significance of the city.
- Advocates feel that the name change would align with the sentiments of the Marathi-speaking population.
Opposition to Renaming
- Opponents claim that IIT Bombay is recognized globally and changing its name could dilute its brand.
- They argue that the name change may confuse international students and partners.
- Critics suggest that the focus should be on improving education and infrastructure rather than renaming institutions.
Conclusion
The debate over renaming IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai encapsulates broader issues of identity, heritage, and political sentiment in Maharashtra. As Chief Minister Fadnavis prepares to reach out to the Prime Minister, the outcome of this discussion remains to be seen. The implications of such a name change could resonate far beyond the walls of the institution, affecting perceptions of cultural identity and pride in the region.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on current events and statements made by public figures as of November 2025.
