NDMC renames Delhi's Aurangzeb lane to APJ Abdul Kalam lane

New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has officially renamed Aurangzeb Lane in Lutyens' Delhi to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lane. The decision was approved during a meeting of NDMC members.

Aurangzeb Lane, which connects Abdul Kalam Road with Prithvi Raj Road, now bears the name of the former President of India. This is not the first time a renaming has taken place as in August 2015, the NDMC changed the name of Aurangzeb Road to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road. However, the decision faced objections from certain Muslim groups who viewed it as a distortion of history. 

Historians and scholars also criticized the renaming, emphasizing the importance of historical context. They highlighted that Aurangzeb Road, along with other roads named after Mughal rulers like Akbar and Shahjehan, was originally designated by the British during the planning of New Delhi.

The critics cautioned against hasty renaming decisions, stating that they could lead to a contentious and endless process.

Noted historian Narayani Gupta suggested that a more fitting tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam would be the establishment of a science museum for children, rather than changing street names. She stressed the significance of understanding history and preserving the original names that hold historical value.