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Chennai, October 13 (IANS) Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr. S. Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government not to rush into removing caste-related names from roads, villages, tanks and other public places, warning that such steps could erode the state’s social identity and create unnecessary discord between communities.
In a statement posted online, Ramadoss said the government’s recent order to remove caste-related names that have been in use for decades has sparked controversy across the state.
He pointed out that many localities and institutions were named after individuals who had made significant contributions to public welfare, education and community development – often donating large tracts of land or supporting social causes.
“These names were given by the local people to honor their ancestors who played an important role in the development of the region. Similarly, many freedom fighters and social reformers, who fought for the nation, language and people, were remembered by naming places after them – sometimes including their caste identifiers,” Ramdas said.
He argued that in many places, such names reflect the collective identity of communities that lived together peacefully for generations.
“By removing these caste-related names, the government is erasing the historical and cultural identity of entire groups. This goes against Tamil Nadu’s tradition of social harmony,” he warned. He said the move appears to be an attempt to erase the sacrifice and memory of the forefathers of the state.
The PMK leader also highlighted that efforts to change names in many areas have already created divisions among local communities.
“If the government insists on changing the name associated with a community, it should at least change its name after a respected leader of that community. Only then will people accept the change,” he said.
Ramadoss questioned the continuity of the government, pointing to the recent naming of a flyover after industrialist GD Naidu in Coimbatore.
He said, “If caste related names are to be avoided then ‘Naidu’ is also a caste name. The government cannot impose one rule for some and another rule for others.”
Concluding his statement, Ramadoss appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to act with patience and restraint.
He stressed, “The views of local people must be heard before taking any decision. Social identity cannot be erased by government orders.”
–IANS
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