Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent announcement that Karimganj district will be renamed Sribhumi has stirred a wave of pride and excitement across the state. The renaming of the district is a tribute to one of India’s most iconic literary figures, Rabindranath Tagore. This decision is rooted in history, as the revered poet had referred to the area as "Sribhumi" more than a century ago, calling it the "land of Maa Lakshmi," a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and divine grace. The choice of the name Sribhumi reflects the cultural and spiritual significance of the region and its historical connection to Tagore’s vision.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sarma shared his enthusiasm, writing, "Over a 100 years ago, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore had described modern-day Karimganj District in Assam as ‘Sribhumi’- the land of Maa Lakshmi. Today, the #AssamCabinet has fulfilled this long-standing demand of our people." This renaming, which follows years of advocacy from local residents and leaders, is seen as a step toward honoring the rich cultural legacy of Assam and its connection to one of India’s greatest minds.
The renaming also comes at a time when there is a growing national movement to rename places that carry colonial legacies. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has emphasized the need to liberate the nation from colonial imprints, a vision that has led to the renaming of several places. Earlier this year, Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating that the decision was in line with the government's push to remove colonial influences. The renaming of both Karimganj and Port Blair can be seen as part of a larger effort to reshape India’s identity, reconnecting the nation with its indigenous roots and cultural heritage.
Kripanath Mallah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Karimganj, a BJP representative, also expressed his support for the renaming. Local leaders and the people of Karimganj have welcomed the change as a much-needed recognition of their cultural and historical ties to the region’s legacy. The decision to rename the district carries both symbolic and emotional significance for the people, many of whom have long hoped for such a recognition of their connection to the great poet and thinker.
Beyond the political sphere, the renaming of Karimganj to Sribhumi is likely to generate further discussions on the role of place names in shaping regional identities and the importance of preserving the heritage of historical figures. The move is seen as an assertion of regional pride and an acknowledgment of Assam's rich cultural history. It reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to foster a sense of unity and cultural pride, aligning the present with the historical and philosophical contributions of figures like Rabindranath Tagore.
The renaming is also part of Assam’s broader strategy to rejuvenate its cultural landscape, drawing attention to its historical significance while promoting its identity on the national stage. Sribhumi, as a name, is expected to inspire future generations to connect with the region’s past, its cultural richness, and its spiritual roots. Furthermore, it could become a beacon for further tourism and cultural engagement in Assam, as the name brings the spotlight back to the district and its association with the esteemed Tagore.
In a broader context, the renaming of Karimganj to Sribhumi fits within a national trend that has been gaining momentum in India for several years now, where places are being renamed to reflect indigenous culture, history, and national pride. The decision reflects the growing sentiment of asserting Indian identity in opposition to the remnants of colonial influence, and it marks an important step in reasserting India's post-colonial narrative. As Assam embraces Sribhumi, it signals a future that is firmly grounded in cultural pride and an acknowledgment of its historical importance in the larger story of Indian identity.
This decision will likely trigger more discussions on how such changes affect the collective consciousness of the people. Many believe that renaming places is not just about changing a sign or label, but it’s a way of re-envisioning the narrative of a region, its people, and its legacy. The renaming of Karimganj to Sribhumi therefore is not just a change of name, but a symbolic reclaiming of history, culture, and pride for the people of Assam.
