Debate Over Colonial Legacy and Renaming Initiatives in India Intensifies

Recent actions in India, such as replacing colonial-era statues and renaming places, reflect ongoing debates about decolonisation and national identity. The replacement of Edward Lutyens's bust with that of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan symbolizes efforts to move beyond colonial legacies, though opinions vary on the motivations and implications. These changes evoke discussions on historical recognition, political symbolism, and mental self-colonisation, with some viewing them as democratic expressions and others as symbolic gestures influenced by nationalism. Literary reflections highlight the recurring nature of such identity-driven initiatives.