First reaction? OMG!
What is Gurugram? Is it a new type of daal? Is it perhaps a new mobile app that will facilitate effortless communication between teacher and pupil? No Gurugram is the new name for Gurgaon in Haryana which also forms a part of the National Capital Region. Gurugram is not a word that most Indians had ever heard before, including the residents of Gurgaon, who will have to start calling their city of residence by a completely new name now.
Why “Gurugram”?
Yesterday Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that Gurgaon will be called Gurugram and that Mewat will now be Nuh. This decision awaits cabinet approval and subsequent agreement of the Union Government. The move is meant to bring citizens closer to the area’s rich heritage which was apparently getting lost due to urbanization.
It is believed that Guru Dronacharya (of the Mahabharata) stayed in this region, which is also the land of the Bhagvad Gita. Legend has it that the village was gifted to their Guru by the Pandavas, that the ancient gurukul was also situated somewhere here. The Mata Sheetla temple in old Gurgaon apparently is evidence of this fact as the name of the wife of the Guru was Mata Sheetla. Officials said that the original name was Gurugram (guru or teacher and gram or village) since ancient times.
Government officials are saying that owing to these beliefs, people of the area had been demanding such as change. Officials say that Gurugram is the original name of the place which over the years became distorted to Gurgaon.
Opposition to the renaming exercise
Corporate entities have reacted with concern to the renaming move. One expressed concern that the renaming will negatively impact Gurgaon’s brand image and ability to attract investment because it sounds almost medieval. One corporate leader thought that the name change offers no benefit and will be a tongue twister for global clientele. Another MNC leader said that significant funds will be diverted for what is essentially a symbolic change that will do nothing for development; will actually divert funds from much needed developmental activities.
Twitterers had a field day
Some people reacted positively to the change where others thought that Gurugram was not a cool enough name to reflect the aspirational spirit of the city. As expected, the Tweeple came up with some gems to express their surprise and disapproval of Gurgaon’s naming; enjoy:
Author – Reena Daruwalla
