Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MB)

Mangalore, Feb 19: Mangalore MLA Nandavar Yogish Bhat has suggested that the govenment district hospital for women, the Lady Goschen Hospital near Nehru Maidan, be renamed after Rani Abbakka, the valiant woman ruler of Ullal who had fought bravely the Portuguese invaders from Mangalore and Goa.

He has also suggested that the Government Wenlock Hospital be renamed after well-known social reformer from the district, the late Kudmul Ranga Rao.

Bhat was speaking at a meeting convened on erecting a life-size statue at the Hamilton Circle near State Bank of India's main office. There has been suggestion to rename the Hamilton Circle as Rani Abbakka Circle.

Many may not be aware that the circle was named Hamilton Circle with the signing of twin cities agreement between Hamilton in Canada and Mangalore, and the name represents Indo-Canadian friendship and good will, said a senior citizen while speaking to Daijiworld.

The gentleman also said that renaming of establishments, roads and cities would not serve any tangible purpose or cause. People would not have any difference seen sentimentally. He quoted the example of K S Rao Road, named after the great freedom fighter and the doyen of the cooperative movement from Mangalore, Karnad Sadashiva Rao Road. "Today, people do not even know who Karnad Sadashiva Rao was and are only accustomed to calling it K S Rao Road," he added. Same was the fate of the Mahatma Gandhi Road, which have conveniently become M G Road, as in the case of Bangalore and Kochi, he rued.