Alfred J. Rebello, Kundapur/Dubai

One reader rightly said 'Mangaluru' depicts 'Manga gala uru', meaning 'Land of Monkeys' which I do not dispute, because though NOT religiously but scientifically it is proved that man's origin is monkeys. Perhpas it is started from Mangalore. And now we go back to our origin.

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Naveen Frank, Mangalore/Dubai

While MANGALURU is finally okayed, it is interesting to note that there are at least three separate towns elsewhere in the world that bear the name Mangalore. One is a small town in Tasmania, Australia, north of Hobart. There is another one situated in Victoria , Australia, north east of Melbourne. The third one is in the State of Virginia USA, south west of Washington DC. Perhaps our Mangaluru friends living close by could throw more light on this.

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Ian, Mangalore

I love the name Mangalore. I am going to miss calling my beloved hometown, Mangalore. I also agree that politicians are scumbags. They should be attending to more pressing matters such as roads, bridges, garbage collection, potholes etc. rather than wasting time on name changes.

Having said that, I have to admit that the rationale for the name-change is sound. It’s not to inconvenience average citizens to print new letterheads or paint new billboards. It’s about our identity. Mangalore was originally called Mangaluru or Mangalapuram. We are just reverting back to the original name. That’s all.

The original name of our town was changed for dubious reasons by Colonial/European oppressors. The Colonial powers found it too difficult to pronounce certain names in the local vernacular. Sadly, instead of learning to pronounce it the right way, they arrogantly resorted to name change. That was then. This is now.

The tables have turned. India is coming into its own and has a strong identity. It’s an India that can say no. It’s a nation saying to the world, “If you can’t pronounce our names, get some help and learn”. If the world has learnt to pronounce names like Niemirowski (Polish), Beuchele (Anglo Saxon), Gammenthaler (German), they should have no problem learning to pronounce Mangaluru (INDIAN).

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Royston, Mangalore

Mr Mohan Naik, I agree to your view-point whole heartedly. I sometimes feel some writers in this forum are biased and try to impose their corrupt viewpoint with baseless justifications . I request readers to be fair and just and leave their petty-biases behind before writing againt anyone.

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Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

My statement about ‘Origin and roots’ has taken one of the readers to tree top naked monkeys. I differ with reader’s argument. Its not anybodies origin. It’s our origin. By origin I mean the great culture and heritage of this Great Country .

When many of the cultures in the world were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, India established Harappan culture in Sindhu valley. Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, quadratic equations, even the invention of Zero are contribution, of ancient India to the world. This is what I was trying to link. I have no objection, if reader chooses to turn a blind eye and pose ignorance.

I agree with the readers comments that word is going ‘Global, and liberal’ Now please tell me are these words not vigorously advocated particularly by those developed countries, trying to grab what third world and developing countries have , always with newer versions ? What is happening with Yoga? This great art today is practiced throughout the world, including US air force, but not ready to acknowledging the fact that its origin is India.

The bio-piracy is another grave issue. The patent law, Intellectual property rights are other clever tools. We have become so global that, what happening to our Western Ghats Flora and fauna, what roll multinational companies are playing there are not clear to us.

We are open to world to share our intellectual strength, resources and also gather knowledge from other side. For Indians the idea of ‘VISHWA MANAVA’ is not a new concept. But this should not be at the cost of our origin and roots and depletion of our strength and resources. Globalization should be two way traffic, not one way.

I appreciate readers concern in addressing the burning issues on top priority, which I support fully. But please tell me by advocating for a corrupted, meaningless name, do you feel burning issues gets sorted out ? Both the issues are different in nature. One is historical and cultural. The other one is, socio-economical-political. Both need to be addressed.

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MOHAN H NAIK, Mangaluru

I feel sorry about a readers understanding of the term ‘Kannadiga’. The definition of ‘Kannadiga’ is not limiting. It includes every one who stays at Karnataka by ages and speaks Kannada even though back home, mother tongue is different.

Is it not a binding factor for all of us, in the LARGER INTEREST OF SOCIETY? Please refer to my yesterdays posting in same forum under, ‘ 10 lak jobs at petrochemical projects in Mangalore’, I envisaged for united Kannadigas meaning all those who speak, kannada, Konkani, thulu, Beary, but by large are Kannadigas .

I also opined ‘UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL’. Then from where the reader got this new theory, of differentiating Kannadiga / Konkani/ Tuluva? The reader mean to say, Thuluva and Konkani are not Kannadigas? Its paradoxical, Kannadiga advocate for greater INDIAN, where as the very existence of KANNADIGA is at stake.

What you call those movement advocating jobs for local Mangalurean, Kannadiga, in MRPL or Konkan Railway, Proposed Petrol chemical projects, against the un-controlled forced, encroachment by neighboring state people? Do the reader advise Kannadigas to change their MINDSET? I did not mean renaming has no impact on Government exchequer. I said I support this specific case, Mangaluru against corrupted version of Mangalore.

Reader must be also aware of bare and basic human necessities. Its not just, Roti, Kapada, Aur Makkan, but also self respect. I m sure, knowledgeable reader agree with me that this is not a commodity that can be bargained in monetary terms.

Unfortunately I could not make my self one among those who were in, Air India express maiden flight to Mangalore. Being a law abiding,tolerant,courteous Kannadiga I would not have opted for agitation, for the sake of agitation, But definitely would have stood up and requested for WELCOME NOTE IN KANNADA, as welcome notes were being made in other languages, contrary to national carrier principle of welcome notes in English and Hindi.

I hope reader is getting me. I agree with reader comments, World today is not an ideal place, as per my expectation. (and also of many readers).But I am sure Tomorrows world will be definitely an ideal place to all of our expectations, if we all really wish so.

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A.D'Cunha, India/Mangaluru

Finally, there we have it. Mangaluru, a deseved re-instatement to its origin. And yes, many of us will have some discomfort and it is normal after so much used to Mangalore, a foreign version. We must, be far the most, take ownership of being Indian before we label ourselves as Kannadiga or tuluva or Konkana.

We all had our hue and cry when Bombay was renamed as Mumbai, Madras for Chennai and Calcutta to Kolkata. Local names fit well to our nationality and origins. Imagine, some Indians abroad renaming the local names there to Indianising them and the back lash they will have? Let us learn and accept the change.

I want to see a day when India is renamed itself as Bharath or Hindustan and ourselves as Bharathi or Hindustani, even as Hindi just like Britains known as British or English. And yes, I fully know that I will have a backlash for my thinking on these lines.

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Edwin D'Souza, Angeloru

One of the best write ups I found in Mr. Mohan S. Naik. Yes, language is playing an important role to promote it around the world. Right now we see English is playing a major role anywhere in the world. But the language we were born with is being carried everywhere we go.

I speak in that language with those who know it. While a few reply in Konkani, others immediately switch over to English. And a few use many English words in between. Whatever is the reason I continue to speak in their language when my Konkani is not used by them.

In India, many languages are spoken, taught in schools. But universally only one language is roaring that is English. Italian priests came to Mangalore and spread Catholicism. Most Mangalorean Catholics speak Konkani. They were also good in Konkani and other languages like Thulu, Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarathi, Bengali, Tamil etc. Without a language it’s not possible to communicate.

I use few Indian languages when I meet Indians and Arabic when I meet Arabic people. Language is the best tool to be in conversation and friendliness.

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montu d' souza, koppa / kuwait

There is no end of changing names.I surprise why to change the name after 60 years of independence.What is there in name?If we think that names are anglicised,then we have to reform our dress code also,we shall not wear western type dresses,G strings(comana)must be used instead of underwear.

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Supriya Shenoy, Mangaluru

Many readers expressed their dissatisfaction over government’s decision to change the name of city. Some went to the extent of saying that they are deprived from displaying the tag “Mangalorean” or “Mangy”!!! Truly funny.

Being Kannadigas we all know that our city is named as Mangaluru due to presence of Mangaladevi Temple. This gleaming truth can’t be denied by any one. So why to create fuss about the name change?

Most of the names of cities, towns and villages in Karnataka end with ooru or pura. So state government is absolutely right in renaming the city as Mangaluru and deserves support / appreciation from Kannadigas. Be proud to be a Kannadiga and resident of Mangaluru rather than being Mangalorean or Mangy.

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Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

As expressed by one of the learned reader, entry of super markets and hypermarkets , in to our city, should not necessarily change our history and heritage. If honest efforts are being made to protect our ancient heritage and culture, why one should oppose it ?. Half knowledge is always dangerous.The word 'Mangalore is the Portuguese corruption of the word 'Mangaluru'or 'Mangalapuram'.Mangala means, sacred, auspicious, and also representing the deity 'Mangaladevi'.

There is no meaning for the word, 'Mango'pronounced, Mangalore nor readers 'Mangu'.If we ridicule at our own roots, no power on this earth can help us to progress. What needs at heart, is first and foremost, the feeling of 'Indian'. Rest all follows itself.

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Cyril Castelino, Udupi

Ha!!!! at last we proved we are Mangas instead of Mangy's. Thanks to all who worked day & night to make this happen. Manga gala uru can not be Mangalore!!!!!!

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Florine Lobo , Worli Bombay

After reading the renaming Manglore to Mangagaluru, it sounds like we are in remote village, While Manglore is coming up with Hypermarkets city centre and Internationa airport.

On behalf of Mangalorean community I would like to request dear elected representative politicians MP MLA MLC muncipal authorities, Please donot allow to change MANGALORE, We have voted and selected YOU To do some prospective progressive, productive works in our of region but surely not for renaming the places. GHARV SE KAVO I am Mangalorean, Mang Mang, but surely not Mangu Mangu

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Mohan H Naik, Mangalore

I differ with Mr Ollas story. The truth is otherway.Kannadigas with village background, who are majority if compared numberwise, never call it Maaanngaalore. Rather they call Mangaluuru.Yes its true, as long as we try to copy everything from west, including the accent, majority of educated lot still prefer Mangalore, with pre-conceived notions.

Its not wrong to advance, develop, but to forget our roots, and our identity is . No doubt , we must and we should gather all strengths to compete with world. English, western know-hows all acceptable and imperative . But it should not become a tool to erase all our heritage.

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Franky, Mangalore/Bombay

Politicians who do this act display that after all they are nothing more than educated illiterates who do more harm than people who are illiterates. Why don't they change their own names that were kept by their Parents? We can do one thing, educate people not to favour the party in power in future. Can we do that?

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Anil Danthy, Mangalore

What to do with all these havoc thats going on? People have got a ocean of patience and especially at Mangalore.Our leaders please do something with our roads and no teacher or single teacher schools than do all this circus with names..

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olla Suares, Mangala pete / Kuwait

Remembering my father narrating the story of "Bandela Husane, Podela Husane" Once Husane (Hussain) came on holidays to his town. He did not like people calling him husane. He announced & throw a big party to change his name from husane to Hussain. People came in large crowd,had good food, enjoyed the party. Hussain was happy thinking that the people would call him by his new name Hussain. Can You Change the People? While leaving the place they greeted him Bandela Husane, Pondela Husane. This is what reminds me of changing Mangalore to Mangalure.

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Bernard Francis Sirur, Bijai, Mangalore

This is move by the upstate vokaliggas to subjugate the identity and spirit of Coastal Canara - From S.Canara to D.Kannada, Mangalore to Mangaluru. Perhaps the silence of the Tulunad/Kudla community can take it one more step to Mangagalauru unless the every signboard changing the name is decimated.

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Romeo Gonsalves, Mangalore

It is very sad to note the re-naming of our city name to Mangalur - which now sounds like mangagala ooru. I hope the age old name is restored back

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Prema, Mangalore/Dubai

Its foolishness & waste of time, energy as well as money on the part of Politicians. I feel the old names were better. All this leads to confusion and nothing less. what are they feel they going to gain from this?

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mushtak, jeddah

God bless Mangalore

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veneith, mangalore

Daijiworld please start a petition opposing this and you can have all of us sign it online.. http://www.gopetition.com/ Changing our town's name is the worst thing cooked up by our politicians yet..

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Kiran Fernandes, Mangalore/Dubai

I dont understand what the government is upto. Instead of providing better governance and infrastructure, they are dwelling on silly things like renaming cities which cost the excehquer huge sums of public money.

In what way will the name change help in the development of the renamed cities. By change of name are they going to have better in frastructure better quality of life. I think Mr. Ananthamurthy should use his brains in giving constructive ideas that help in realising the common man's dream of better quality of life than giving ideas that satisfy him and him alone.

I think the so called literary geniuses and the able administrators forget to use their brains when needed most. Why is Mr. Ananthamurthy''s still using his initial as U. R it should be Vu Ra, because U. R is English pronounciation and not kannada

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Shruthi, Bangalore

All I have to say is these politicians are so jobless that they are more worried about changing names of Districts than solving other important problems. Nobody is going to turn around and name these places as Bengaluru or other so called names internationally. This is the most stupid thing that has happened.

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Preethi, mangalore/ Abu Dhabi

If I am not wrong this is mere foolishness. Till now what has stopped Kannada to write or pronounce Bengalooru or Mangalooru? Every word has its own beauty in the specific language it is used in. Would Media be successful in reaching our views to the decision takers to remind them that these are not their personal belongings to change their names as and when they like but the whole world is going to be affected.

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Kevin Lobo, Mangalore

Instead of changing the name these politicians should mend their ways. They are only interested in renaming the places, roads etc where development is zero or in minus. So foolish to change the name. Nowadays it is a habit for the politicans to change the names of places and roads. Hope they will not change their parents. This is the tragedy of Indian politics. Go hell with these crooked politicans.

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J Mascarenhas, Mangalore/Bangalore

Nothing but waste of money and energy. The same money could have been used on education, maintaining roads, improvement in health sector, etc. Yes the politicians are interested only, in filling their coffers and they are least interested in the people. Minus the politicians, this world will be a wonderful place to live. Down with corrupt politicians.

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B S NAIK, Puttur

By just changing the name of a well known town like Mangalore to Mangaluru, its doesn't make any sense. We have to change ourselves to be known as reputed Mangaloreans all over the world by our behaviours, dealings and all. Not by changing a good name so far spelt as MANGALORE.

What the government is going to gain by this..? It could not make the Nagarjuna Company to employ Mangaloreans for thier mega project, and allowing people from AP and other states. This is not the case in any states, there the company's have to employ local people. This is only in Karnataka every companies will have thier own people and they don't employ Kannadiga's.

We have go away from our own state and beg for a job in Mumbai or Gujarat... this is the back ground of our dirty govt/politicians who is good for nothing and supporting for changing the names of cities... Oh God save Mangalore....the pride.

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Kiran, Mangalore/Dubai

I dont understand what the government is upto. Instead of providing better governance and infrastructure, they are dwelling on silly things like renaming the cities which cost the excehquer huge sums of public money. In what way is the name change helping the development of the renamed cities? By change of name are they going to have better infrastructure better quality of life?

I think Mr. Ananthamurthy should use his brains in giving constructive ideas that help in realising the common man's dream of better quality of life than giving ideas that satisfy him and him alone. I think the so called literary geniuses and the apt administrators forget to use their brains

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Pradeep, Kaup

These useless politicians have no better work. Renaming cities is not only meaningless it is not worth it. I think our political call takes us 1 step back for every 2 steps of progress we show

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k. nayak , Mangalore / Toronto

This name change is a politcal move we Mangaloreans should collectively go against it this a Kannada name not any local name let the Kannadigas keep calling mangaluru why should it be made official leave it at Mangalore we will call it kudala , kodial ,mickel..let the govt do something for the infrastructure and the environmental degradation

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LANCELOT NORBERT TAURO, MANGLORE - DOHA QATAR

Renaming Manglore to Mangala ooru, no body is happy I feel. Why?  Managlore was called in different names by different communities, Kodial by Konkani speakers, Kudla by Tuluvers, Mickel by Muslims, off course Manglapooram by Malayalees. OH which one to choose, hey why confusion just continue with the same name MANGALORE. SWEET AND CUTE

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Joel, Udupi/London

We should learn something from China, where they left their ego and started teaching English aggressively and now they are doing well in Services sector. We Indians seem to have started to show the affinity for our mother tongue of late. If this continues, the days are not far they will close down English Mediums schools soon.

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Jay, Mangalore

I fully agree with Dinesh. Please utilise your time and resources in development and upbringing the place you live and the society. Don't waste time in changing identity (name). If this is the case, even citizens have to change their names to pronounce locally ... then there will be no English names or surnames. May be that would identify that we are Kannadigas. Do we have to change our FAITH too?

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S. D' Souza, Udupi/UK

Ismail Shaikh - FYI - "Hindustan" never existed before the partition. Infact Jinna is the one who coined it while fighting for partition, and now the rest of us have been blindly following it since then without giving a second thought hence the name Hindustan disqualifies.

By the way, Bharat perfectly makes sense as it has been in use since ancient times. "India" once again was a name used by the West, primarily by the British, so why not change it ? Rather than looking at things that matter, our politicians are far more interested in gaining popularity by taking up these frivolous ventures.

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ABDUL , BAJPE

Whole world is trying to  achieve something new, and we are trying to go back,  Rather than spending money on changing names on signboards, spend that money on roads, education, hospitals, schools etc.

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Sadik, Udupi/Dubai

If the government is interested in reigonalising the city's name why they are changing Mangalore to Mangalooru. We are proud to be Indian first "let us change first India to Bharath or Hindustan" then we will go for Mangalore to Kudla or Tulunadu, which makes some sense.

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Dony Lobo, Milagres,Mangaluru/Doha,Qatar

I only hope no one by mistake introduces either himself or herself as "I am from " or anyone else saying "so and so is from Mangagalur"...even a simple slip of the tongue could cause natural and disatrous Fuggetteos!!!

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MOHAN H NAIK, MANGALORE

Its not just the change of spelling, but its the accent and the way we speak.Bijapur has no meaning, Vijaipur means victory.Nothing wrong in renaming with those new words which really are part and parcel of our culture.

Calling 'MANGALORE ' is definitely not as sweet as MANGALURU. Here the last 4 words ' LURU', means ' UURU', meaning TOWN, which very well reminds all of us that we are Kannadigas.Well India desreves to be called Bharat

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K.Raghava Mayya, Padil, M'lore

To avoid wrong pronounciation while referring in a language other than Kannada, better be specific in giving the spelling Mangalooru . Trust the media will take initiation in bringing this aspect to the Government before finalisation of the change of names.

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Ismail Shaikh, Moodbidri

Spelling change of the cities does not change the human culture or the place it self or is this the only way to develope our country to the international standards? If so the name India should be removed from the world map given by Britishers to Bharat or Hindustan

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DINESH, Mangalore /Dubai

Its indeed not a wise decision to change the name ,after all what is in a name ,matter of fact by changing a name doesnt make any difference in fact on the contrary it inconveniences people who are already used to calling this great city Mangalore.

Do people realise the amount of money that needs to be spent on changing all the sign boards in Govt offices and private institutes ,the same money could have been effectively used for developing this beautiful city like Mangalore ,building better roads (without pot holes) & better infrastructure , making it more industrially developed so that our qualified engineers and doctors do not have to leave Mangalore to find jobs outside this city .

I think its more of a trend than anything else , but I guess people will still call it by its same name ,as they say old habits die hard .

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Alfred J. Rebello, Kundapur/Dubai

Well. Well. Well. We all have new names to our places, perhaps original ones. And I hope with these brand new original identities we change our attitudes also towards others as we become pure Indians (before perhaps mixed) and make everybody's lives much easier and better.

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William , Karkala

It is not a wise decision to change the spelling in English of the city since in local language we already use correct script. eg. Germany is internationally recognised as Germany where as inside Germany is called in Deuchland.No fun in calling Mangalure while talking in English.

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