The new Industrial Technical Institute (ITI) in Dongri, central Mumbai, has sparked a dispute over its name. Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has stated that the institute will be named after the late President and Bharat Ratna Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, despite Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly Amin Patel's desire for it to be named after Abdur Rahman Shah Baba, a Sufi saint whose dargah is situated nearby.
The government's decision to name ITIs throughout the state for the first time sparked the name dispute. ITIs were once called after their locations. The institutions will be named after well-known local individuals or personalities.
According to Amin Patel, the Sufi saint's name is on the plaque that was put in place in May 2011, the month the institute's foundation stone was placed. The late Murli Deora and other Congress leaders were present when the plaque was unveiled by then-chief minister Prithviraj Chavan.
Giving a suggestion Amin Patel said that the government should name one of the proposed medical colleges after the late President of India. He said that up until 2024, the institute is referred to as Abdur Rahman Shah Baba in all correspondence. Maybe the government doesn't know this. Nothing about A P J Abdul Kalam bothers me. He was a superb president as well as a brilliant scientist. Despite the fact that he is revered globally, locals have strong feelings for the Sufi saint.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was present at the Mumbai city district planning committee meeting when Amin Patel brought up the matter. He promised to write to Mangal Prabhat Lodha and the government to keep the saint's name.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha responded to the demand by stating that Kalam was a significant contributor to science and technology in addition to being a former president of India. Any organisation bearing his name is a testament to science, advancement, and patriotism. As a result, the Dongri ITI's name will not be altered, he reportedly stated.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that he would not change his mind about naming the institute after Kalam. An event would be held at the institute to erect a board naming the location after Kalam, he remarked.
Lack of planning approvals has caused the Dongri ITI, which was organised by the Departments of Higher and Technical Education and the Minorities Development Department, to be delayed. A few technical classes have begun at the institute, despite the fact that it has not yet been formally inaugurated.
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