New Delhi: Bombay could turn Mumbai, Uttaranchal could swiftly change into Uttarakhand, but the people of Assam are resisting a state government's move to change the name of the state to Asom.
A move by the state government is facing stiff challenge from eminent citizens, litterateurs, educationists and journalists in the state, with Dada Saheb Phalke award winner Bhupen Hazarika leading the pack.
Apart from Dr Hazarika, four former presidents of Asom Sahitya Sabha, the apex literary body of the state, and Jnanpith awardee Dr
Indira (Mamoni) Roisam Goswami have opposed the move, calling it 'undemocratic and entirely unwarranted'. The four former ASS presidents include Sahitya Akademi awardees Homen Borgohain, Dr Nagen Saikia, Dr Birendra Dutta
and Dr Lakhminandan Bora. Dr Hazarika, too, is a former president of the Sabha.
In a statement said, Dr Hazarika said: "I strongly support retention of the name Assam for my state." Hazarika said it was not the British who introduced the name `Assam', but it was a local name that existed since the Tai Ahoms came to the state in the 13th century.
Promnent Assamese NRI in the USA, Rajen Barua, in a statement said, retention of the name was essential for maintaining harmony among all sections of people of the state. The Assam Legislative Assembly at its last session had unanimously approved the name change and was awaiting Presidential assent to the decision.
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