Citizens across India have initiated a wave of online petitions urging the governments of India and Maharashtra to rename the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport in honor of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, who recently passed away. One petition on Change.org, started by a Mumbai resident, has garnered over 40,000 signatures within just two days. Supporters from cities like Pune and Delhi have also launched similar petitions, highlighting the widespread admiration for Tata’s contributions to the nation.
Tribute to a Visionary Leader
In a petition led by Mumbai resident Huzan Banaji, the case is made for naming the new airport after Ratan Tata as a tribute to a leader whose visionary efforts have significantly shaped modern India and Mumbai. An article in the Free Press Journal mentioned that the petition emphasizes Tata's role in expanding and solidifying one of India's most respected business empires, noting his commitment to philanthropy, social welfare, and national development. The appeal asserts that honoring Tata would recognize his iconic status in both the business sector and Indian society at large.
The Tata Legacy
Another petition from Pune highlights the Tata family's significant contributions to India's aviation industry. It points out that J.R.D. Tata, Ratan Tata's uncle, was the founder of Air India, the national carrier, and acknowledges Ratan Tata's ongoing support for the airline. The Watchdog Foundation has also voiced support for renaming the airport, arguing that under Ratan Tata's leadership, the Tata Group played a crucial role in revitalizing Air India and enhancing India's presence in global aviation.
Challenges and Controversy
Despite the growing momentum for renaming the airport, the initiative may face challenges. Officials have announced that the airport is set to be named after local agricultural leader D.B. Patil. Organizations representing Mumbai's indigenous communities, such as the Bhumiputra East Indians, have urged the retention of this proposed name, citing that the land for the airport originally belonged to the Aagris and other native groups. Alphi D'Souza, a representative from the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat, suggested that while Tata’s legacy should be honored, infrastructure projects like Metro 3 or Aqua Line could bear his name. The MGP has also reiterated its request to name the Mumbai Coastal Road after Kaka Baptista, a notable freedom fighter and confidant of Lokmanya Tilak, emphasizing the importance of honoring historical figures in the region.
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