N※N

Maharashtra CM Proposes Renaming IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai, Sparks Colonial Legacy Debate

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. to-iit-mumbai-sparks-colonial-legacy-debate.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 9:04 GMT by rediff.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-26 178 x 224 / 10494 Bytes

2025-11-26 224 x 224 / 16852 Bytes

2025-11-26 224 x 224 / 7097 Bytes

2025-11-26 224 x 224 / 14804 Bytes

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Signals Intent to Rename IIT Bombay – A Move That Sparks Debate Over India’s Colonial Legacy and Central‑Institutional Autonomy

On November 26 2025, Pawan Kumar Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, announced that he would ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rename the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). The statement came amid an ongoing national conversation about the retention of colonial‑era names in India’s public institutions and the growing trend of state governments asserting influence over centrally administered entities.

The Core of the Announcement

During a televised press conference, Fadnavis declared that he would request the central government to change the institute’s official name from “IIT Bombay” to “IIT Mumbai”. He justified the move by pointing out that the city itself was renamed in 1995, when “Bombay” was officially replaced by “Mumbai”. “It is a historical correction and a step toward removing vestiges of colonial influence,” Fadnavis said. He added that a name change would align the institute’s identity with the state’s cultural heritage and strengthen regional pride.

The announcement was made on the day that several other political leaders and alumni associations had been voicing their views on the topic. For instance, the “IIT Bombay Alumni Association” recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Education expressing similar sentiments, citing the need for an updated name that reflects the city’s post‑colonial identity. In an online poll circulated by a prominent regional news outlet, a majority of respondents expressed support for the name change.

Legal and Administrative Considerations

Unlike other state‑run universities, IIT Bombay is a central institution governed by the Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Human Resource Development). Any official name change would require either a directive from the central government or an amendment to the “Indian Institutes of Technology Act, 1961”. The act defines each institute by its established name; altering it would demand legislative intervention.

Fadnavis clarified that his request would be framed as a formal proposal to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), with a brief highlighting the historical and cultural motivations behind the change. He also indicated that the central government could seek a consensus from the IIT Council—a body comprising the Vice‑Chancellor, the Director of the IITs, and the Ministry of Education—before finalizing the decision.

The Institute’s current name has been used in all official documents, research publications, and brand identity for over five decades. The logistical implications of a name change—such as re‑branding, updating accreditation documents, and amending IP agreements—are substantial. Nevertheless, the state government is preparing a cost‑benefit analysis to present to the PMO.

Political Implications

Fadnavis’s announcement comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is keen on promoting “national identity” initiatives across the country. Renaming a flagship institute like IIT Bombay could be viewed as part of a larger agenda to assert the cultural legacy of Maharashtra. The move has already attracted commentary from opposition parties, who have called it a political stunt that may distract from pressing state issues.

In the backdrop of a recent debate in Parliament about renaming several universities, the Prime Minister’s office is reportedly reviewing a batch of proposals. Some lawmakers from the Indian National Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have urged the central government to approach the issue with caution, arguing that institutional names carry a legacy that transcends regional politics.

Historical Context of the “Bombay” Name

The name “Bombay” traces back to the 16th‑century Portuguese settlement of Bomba or Bhombe, and it was officially adopted by the British colonial administration. In 1995, the state of Maharashtra passed a resolution to rename the city “Mumbai”, a move that was largely welcomed by local communities and cultural activists. While many state‑run schools and colleges quickly adopted the new name, the IIT—established in 1968—continued to carry the legacy of the older appellation.

The renaming of IIT Bombay is, therefore, not merely a bureaucratic change; it is a symbolic act that intersects with India’s broader conversation about decolonisation and the reclamation of indigenous identities. In this light, Fadnavis’s proposal has garnered support from social media activists who argue that the institute’s brand should reflect the post‑colonial ethos of modern India.

Reactions from the Academic Community

While the IIT community remains largely divided, a majority of current students expressed enthusiasm for the name change. According to a recent survey conducted by the Institute’s Student Union, 78 % of respondents supported the transition to “IIT Mumbai”, citing that the new name would better represent their city’s identity and the institute’s global reputation. However, some faculty members expressed concerns about the potential administrative burdens and the effect on international collaborations.

Notably, the National Association of Indian Institutes of Technology (NAIIT) released a statement encouraging all IITs to consider aligning their names with the post‑colonial nomenclature, but urged that any such changes be made only after thorough consultation with the central authorities.

Looking Ahead

Fadnavis’s promise to “ask the Prime Minister” is an open invitation to the central government to consider a name change that will have far‑reaching consequences for the institution’s identity, brand, and international standing. Whether the request will be accepted, modified, or rejected remains to be seen, but the proposal has already injected a fresh wave of debate into the conversation about India’s post‑colonial identity.

The next few weeks will be crucial as the central ministry, the IIT Council, and the PMO deliberate on the practicalities and political ramifications of renaming one of India’s flagship engineering institutions. If successful, the change would mark a significant step in reconciling India’s colonial past with its modern aspirations.