Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], In a significant move on his last day as the Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes of Kerala state, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader K Radhakrishnan, who recently Won the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Alathur in 2024, has eliminated the use of the word 'Colony' from official records.
Stating that the word colony is associated with slavery and can create a feeling of inferiority, Radhakrishnan said, "The word colony is associated with slavery and was created by the oppressors. It creates a feeling of inferiority among the people."
Radhakrishnan also said that residents of the area could suggest a replacement name. “Instead of naming places after individuals, common names should be used and these will be based on suggestions from residents,” he said.,
He further explained that using a person's name could lead to controversy, although places already named after persons could retain their existing names.
The order issued by the Scheduled Caste-Scheduled Tribe Development Department highlights that areas predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Tribes are currently referred to as "Colony," "Sanketam," and "Ooru."
The order states that these words can cause disrespect and suggests adopting names that are more acceptable to the society. The order also recommends naming these areas with "city," "unnati," "nature" or other appropriate names chosen by local residents. The move aims to promote a sense of dignity and respect among the residents of these communities.Notably, K Radhakrishnan had resigned after winning the Lok Sabha elections from Alathur constituency. Radhakrishnan defeated Congress's Ramya Haridas by a margin of 20,111 votes. Radhakrishnan got 403,447 votes while Haridas got 383,336 votes.
Stating that the word colony is associated with slavery and can create a feeling of inferiority, Radhakrishnan said, "The word colony is associated with slavery and was created by the oppressors. It creates a feeling of inferiority among the people."
Radhakrishnan also said that residents of the area could suggest a replacement name. “Instead of naming places after individuals, common names should be used and these will be based on suggestions from residents,” he said.,
He further explained that using a person's name could lead to controversy, although places already named after persons could retain their existing names.
The order issued by the Scheduled Caste-Scheduled Tribe Development Department highlights that areas predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Tribes are currently referred to as "Colony," "Sanketam," and "Ooru."
The order states that these words can cause disrespect and suggests adopting names that are more acceptable to the society. The order also recommends naming these areas with "city," "unnati," "nature" or other appropriate names chosen by local residents. The move aims to promote a sense of dignity and respect among the residents of these communities.Notably, K Radhakrishnan had resigned after winning the Lok Sabha elections from Alathur constituency. Radhakrishnan defeated Congress's Ramya Haridas by a margin of 20,111 votes. Radhakrishnan got 403,447 votes while Haridas got 383,336 votes.
