In a landmark initiative reflecting a determined effort to move away from British colonial legacy, the Indian Army has successfully completed the renaming of 246 roads, buildings, residential colonies, and various military facilities throughout the nation. This extensive exercise is part of a broader national strategy aimed at indigenizing military traditions and customs, emphasizing values derived from India’s own storied history of courage and sacrifice.
The comprehensive renaming process includes 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings, and 18 other facilities—ranging from parks and training areas to sports grounds and helipads. The new names honor the legacies of gallantry awardees, battle heroes, and revered military leaders from significant campaigns and operations, thereby integrating a sense of national pride into the everyday environments where soldiers and their families live and train.
This initiative was prompted by a detailed review that began in 2022, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for reform during the Combined Commanders’ Conference in March 2021. The Prime Minister urged the armed forces to shed outdated colonial influences and promote a more indigenous identity in military practices. The renaming initiative aligns with Modi’s broader vision of "panch pran" (five pledges), designed to reshape the national mindset ahead of India’s centenary of independence in 2047. This goal includes dismantling colonial habits and is complemented by other efforts, such as the renaming of the naval ensign for INS Vikrant.
Several notable renamings have taken place at major military stations:
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In Delhi Cantonment, Kirby Place, previously designated for Officers’ Accommodation, has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, honoring Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, a Maha Vir Chakra recipient who lost his life in the Kargil War. Additionally, Mall Road is now Arun Khetarpal Marg, in memory of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his valor during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
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In Ambala Cantonment, Patterson Road Quarters has been rebranded as Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave, commemorating Major Dhan Singh Thapa, a recipient of the Param Vir Chakra from the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
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The Mathura Cantonment has seen New Horn Line renamed to Abdul Hamid Lines, honoring Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, who received the Param Vir Chakra for his gallantry in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War.
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Other significant renamings include Queens Line Road in Jaipur Cantonment to Sundar Singh Marg, and New Birdwood Line in Bareilly Cantonment to Thimayya Colony, named after General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya.
- The Indian Military Academy in Dehradun has seen Collins Block changed to Nubra Block and Kingsway Block renamed to Kargil Block, paying homage to important battle sites in India’s military history.
The transportation of these new names extends to places such as Kolkata, where Fort William has been renamed Vijay Durg, and various military stations across the country. For instance, the sports complex at Rangapahar Military Station is now the Laishram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex, honoring Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, and Spear Lake Marg at Zakhama Military Station is now Hangpan Dada Marg, in tribute to Ashok Chakra awardee Havildar Hangpan Dada.
Army officials have indicated that these naming changes signify more than just a cosmetic update; they symbolize a deeper commitment to recognize and uphold the contributions of India’s gallantry awardees and military leaders. An official remarked that the initiative serves to inspire current and future generations, embedding national values into the very fabric of military life.
This comprehensive renaming initiative represents a significant step in the ongoing transformation of the Indian Army, fostering pride in indigenous military traditions while honoring those who have bravely defended the nation. Further reviews and renaming efforts might extend to additional sites as part of the continuous indigenization process.
