Hindu outfits call for changing Portuguese names of cities - Herald

April 21, 2014

 

TEAM HERALD

bureau@herald-goa.com

 

PONDA: All Hindu organisations under the banner ‘National Hindu Movement’ appealed to the government to change the Portuguese names of cities, roads and places in the State.

All Hindu organisations under the banner ‘National Hindu Movement’ staged a demonstration at old bus stand, Ponda, on Sunday to demand withdrawal of recent naming of ‘Shri Shankaracharya Hill’ in Kashmir as ‘Takht-e-Suleiman’. They also demanded to restore names of cities and roads of independent Bharat, which were changed by the foreign invaders.

The demonstration commenced with worship of the local deity, Sree Zareshwar. Many Hindus, who participated in the demonstration, demanded to change the foreign name ‘Vasco-da-Gama’ to ‘Sambajinagar’.

All the Hindus present appealed the government to change the Portuguese names of cities, roads and places which are being maintained in the State, as it is a symbol of slavery. An appeal was also made to conserve the ‘Haat Kaatro Khaamb’ in Old Goa as a historical monument.

Dr Manoj Solanki, State convenor of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, explained the purpose of the demonstration.

“The Archaeological Survey of India has unofficially changed the name of ‘Shri Shankaracharya Hill’, which is near the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, to ‘Takht-e-Suleiman’,” stated Dr Solanki.

“This is a well-hatched plan to wipe out Hindu identity completely from Kashmir after having already thrown Hindus out of Kashmir. Despite Bharat attaining independence 67 years back, many cities, roads and places still carry names kept by foreign invaders. This is shameful for us. Hence, these names which remind us of slavery should be changed by giving the names of brave Hindu Kings, warriors and revolutionaries which will awaken pride and patriotism among Indians,” he said.

The assembly of Hindus present was addressed by devout Hindu speakers. Satyavijay Naik compered the programme and also proposed the vote of thanks.

The organisations that participated in the demonstration are Gayatri Parivaar, Bharat Swabhimaan, Shivsena, Ranaragini, Gomantak Mandir and Dhaarmik Sanstha Mahasangh, Hindu Janajagruit Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha.

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