THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR MERIT-BASED NAMING OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. INDIA MUST END THE POLITICIZATION OF NATIONAL ASSETS, RECOGNIZE ACHIEVERS IN DIVERSE FIELDS, AND ENSURE RECOGNITION FOSTERS INSPIRATION AND FAIRNESS.
The passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was marred by controversy over his Samadhi Sthal (final resting place), as his party unnecessarily stirred a dispute over a memorial. This incident reflects the party’s consistent disregard for a leader whose immense contributions were sidelined in life and death. Dr Singh, a visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization, transformed the nation’s financial landscape as Finance Minister. His legacy deserves to be honored through initiatives like naming an economics research institute or library after him, inspiring students and researchers for generations.
The names of prominent experts, artists, scientists, and achievers who have significantly contributed to the nation’s progress should only be associated with institutions relevant to their fields. However, in India, the opposite is often true. Actor Rishi Kapoor once openly criticized the absurdity of naming public resources, like roads, airports, and institutions, after political figures, advocating instead for recognizing achievers in art, science, and sports. Unfortunately, this wisdom has rarely been followed.
A glaring example of political overreach is the oldest national party’s fixation with linking their family members’ names to government schemes and infrastructure as if they owned the country and its public properties. Data reveals that over 449 schemes, along with 378 roads and streets, have been in the names of Indira and Rajiv. This excessive politicization reduces national resources to political propaganda tools, stifling recognition for deserving contributors in various fields. Some regional parties, like Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, also repeated this objectionable trend.
A glaring example of political overreach is the oldest national party’s fixation with linking their family members’ names to government schemes and infrastructure as if they owned the country and its public properties. Data reveals that over 449 schemes, along with 378 roads and streets, have been in the names of Indira and Rajiv. This excessive politicization reduces national resources to political propaganda tools, stifling recognition for deserving contributors in various fields. Some regional parties, like Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, also repeated this objectionable trend.
Such practices contradict the spirit of democracy. Public assets belong to the nation, not to political dynasties. Naming a medical college after a pioneering surgeon or an airport after a legendary aviator would better reflect the contributions of individuals who shaped those fields. It’s time to end the misuse of public infrastructure for political gain. Establishing an equitable system for naming national assets ensures merit-based recognition, fostering inspiration and fairness.
Public places like airports, hospitals, educational institutions, and roads are constructed using public funds, not personal resources. These are national assets belonging to the citizens of the country. As such, no political party or individual should be permitted to use their names for personal or political branding. Political leaders are merely temporary custodians of power, not the owners of public properties. They must govern responsibly and inclusively, not indulge in self-aggrandizement at the expense of the nation’s collective resources.
The absence of a standardized mechanism to prevent and rectify such misuse allows this practice to continue unchecked. A fair and transparent framework should be established to govern the naming of public infrastructure, ensuring that the process is free from political bias. This mechanism could include criteria such as the individual’s contributions to society, relevance to the field, and public consensus. For instance, an educational institution could be named after an esteemed educator, while a research center could honor a pioneering scientist. Such a system would preserve the sanctity of public spaces while encouraging a culture of meritocracy and fairness.
India is at a critical crossroads, and the need to depoliticize public resources is more crucial than ever. Instituting a merit-based system for naming public institutions would honor the right individuals and inspire the next generation. By shifting the focus from political favoritism to genuine recognition, the nation can take a significant step toward fostering a more equitable and democratic society. (The writer is the author of Rock Solid Willpower. Views are personal Email: newsroomvirtual@gmail.com)