Latest news with #Koli
India.com
3 days ago
- General
- India.com
Gaya Is Now Gaya Ji...Check 10 Indian Cities Renamed In The Past And The Reason Behind The Same
photoDetails english 2909401 Updated:Jun 01, 2025, 02:12 PM IST Gaya Is Now 'Gaya Ji'... 1 / 11 A recent example is the renaming of Gaya in Bihar to "Gaya Ji." This movement is widespread, impacting both major cities and significant religious sites. The following provides an overview of some notable renaming and their underlying motivations. Gaya to Gaya Ji 2 / 11 The historic city of Gaya in Bihar, a significant pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees annually, has officially been renamed 'Gaya Ji.' This change, recently approved by the state government, formalizes the name to reflect the deep reverence and spiritual importance already associated with the city, particularly in ancestral rituals. Gurgaon to Gurugram 3 / 11 In 2016, Gurgaon was officially renamed Gurugram, a change made to emphasize its mythological origins. Ancient texts suggest this land was a gift to Guru Dronacharya. While the city is now recognized for its rapid urban development, its new name serves as a reminder of its rich historical and cultural importance. Bombay to Mumbai 4 / 11 In 1996, Bombay was renamed Mumbai to honor the city's indigenous roots. The name "Mumbai" is derived from Mumba Devi, a local goddess revered by the Koli fishing community. This change also marked a significant step away from its colonial-era designation. Calcutta to Kolkata 5 / 11 In 2001, Calcutta was officially renamed Kolkata. This change was made to better align the city's name with its Bengali pronunciation and cultural identity. As a city renowned as India's intellectual hub, this renaming was part of a broader initiative to promote regional language and foster local pride. Mysore to Mysuru 6 / 11 In 2014, Mysore was officially renamed Mysuru. This change was made to better align with the Kannada language and to emphasize the region's rich mythological heritage. The name is deeply connected to the legend of Mahishasura and Goddess Chamundeshwari, who are central figures in local culture. Mangalore to Mangaluru 7 / 11 In 2014, the city's name officially transitioned from the Anglicized Mangalore to Mangaluru. This change, which stems from the goddess Mangaladevi, officially recognized the name long used by locals in the Kannada-speaking region. Bangalore to Bengaluru 8 / 11 In 2006, Bangalore, a city recognized globally for its thriving tech industry, was officially renamed Bengaluru. This change was enacted to honor the city's historical origins and revert to its original Kannada name, which dates back to the 9th century. Madras to Chennai 9 / 11 In 1996, Madras was renamed Chennai. This new name is believed to be connected to the ancient settlement of Chennapattinam. The change brought the city's identity in line with its Tamil heritage, as part of a broader initiative to shed British-era names. Pondicherry to Puducherry 10 / 11 In 2006, the Union Territory of Pondicherry was renamed Puducherry. Meaning "new town" in Tamil, this change better reflects the region's language and cultural identity. Despite the renaming, its charming French colonial architecture continues to be a defining feature. Orissa to Odisha 11 / 11 The renaming of Orissa to Odisha brought the state's official name in line with its authentic local pronunciation. The name 'Odisha' is derived from 'Odda Visaya,' an ancient term long used to describe the region. The former spelling, 'Orissa,' was an Anglicized version from the colonial era and didn't accurately reflect the local phonetics.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
After revamp, Dharavi popn may plunge to less than 5L: Govt report
Mumbai: The population of Dharavi will be 4.9 lakh after the implementation of the redevelopment plan, according to a presentation made to the CM this week. Given that current population estimates of the slum sprawl vary widely from 7 lakh to a million, the area is expected to see significant decongestion within a decade. Providing a break-up to CM Fadnavis Wednesday, it was informed that the Rehab-Renewal population (slum dwellers and those living in authorised buildings) in Dharavi will be approximately 3 lakh after redevelopment. Around 1 lakh new residents are expected to move into sale buildings, while developed properties excluded from the revamp plan will add up to roughly 65,000-70,000. In addition, the planners expect a natural population growth of roughly 16,000 over the next seven years while the project is being implemented. The presentation was made by S V R Srinivas, CEO, Dharavi Redevelopment Project and chairman of Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd, the special purpose vehicle executing the project. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, who was earlier MLA from Dharavi, said, "No elected representative was invited for the presentation. No resident either. Only Adani representatives were present. The survey is not complete, the annexure II which informs about eligibility is not ready, how did this meeting happen? People do not know where they will get homes. For whom is this project being implemented?" Describing the redevelopment of Mumbai's biggest slum sprawl as a project for gentrification, the latest govt presentation on the plan envisages a "green spine" for the 2.5sqkm precinct along with a central park, waterfront and museum. A multi-modal transit hub and mixed-use neighbourhoods supporting traditional livelihoods of artisans and homes in highrises are also part of the blueprint. Five new entry points have been proposed linking Dharavi to Bandra-Kurla Complex, Sion and Mahim. Total rehab cost is estimated at Rs 95,790 crore, which involves construction of 49,832 residential rehab units and 8,700 residential renewal units, besides 12,458 commercial and industrial rehab units and 1,010 commercial renewal units. The sale component will be spread over 120 acres. The presentation was made by S V R Srinivas, CEO, Dharavi Redevelopment Project and chairman of Navbharat Mega Developers, the special purpose vehicle executing the project, in the presence of the chief minister. The plan marks a huge transformation for the Dharavi cluster which has existed for over a century. The history of the growth of slums here, as recorded in the city's Development Plan, says Dharavi was the home of the Koli fishers and the Mahim creek was their source of livelihood for centuries. Dharavi's rapid growth is interwoven with the patterns of migration into Bombay. The first to settle there did so because the land, mainly used as a rubbish dump, was free and unregulated. The marshy land slowly grew more solid but even till the mid-1900s, parts were so wet, people had to build foot-bridges to cross over. Potters from Saurashtra were among the first to be relocated here and set up their colony (Kumbharwada), as also Muslim leather tanners from TN (because of the proximity of the abattoir in Bandra). Artisans and embroidery workers from UP started the readymade garments trade, and Tamilians set up a flourishing business, making savories and sweets. The existing population now mostly comprises dwellers with basic structures that have mushroomed in low lying creek land in an unplanned manner leading to problems such as poor accessibility. Most houses are serviced by narrow by-lanes of 2 to 3 feet width, while non-development of roads has hampered the work of providing sewer lines, states the report. However, political representatives from the area say the revamp is a non-consultative process, controlled by the authorities in a manner that only strengthens business interests. Dharavi MLA Jyoti Gaikwad said the plan is "for Adani not for Dharavi's people"; else it would have been shared with the people before being finalised. Aditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, said, "who was the Mumbaikar present at the meeting where the plan was approved. If 50% of residents are being moved out then those who will be rehabilitated should get 500 sq feet homes."
News18
27-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Maharashtra Labour Minister Proposes Prioritised Jobs For 'Project-Affected' Locals In Private Firms
Last Updated: Akash Fundkar stressed that priority must be given to locals in employment, particularly in the industrial zones of Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad Maharashtra labour minister Advocate Akash Fundkar announced on Tuesday that his government will actively work to ensure employment opportunities for locals—especially the children of project-affected families—in private companies operating within their vicinity. Project-affected families (PAFs) are those whose land, properties, or livelihoods are significantly impacted by a project, typically due to land acquisition or displacement. Speaking at a high-level meeting held at the Mantralaya, minister Fundkar stressed that priority must be given to locals in employment, particularly in the industrial zones of Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad. 'It is essential that the youth from project-affected communities, especially those from traditional fishing (Koli) families, get a fair chance at employment in the very industries that have taken over their ancestral lands," he said. The meeting was convened to address issues related to job opportunities for the children of the Koli community in private companies located in their native areas, as well as to review grievances raised by workers in the Kurkumbh MIDC in Pune. Present at the meeting were MLA Rahul Kul, Fishermen's Union President Chandu Patil, principal secretary IA Kundan, labour commissioner Dr HP Tummod, deputy secretary Swapnil Kapadnis, additional labour commissioner Balasaheb Wagh, and representatives from worker unions and other labour organisations. Fundkar pointed out that over 16,443 factories are currently operational in the Konkan region, employing more than 1.3 million workers. As per the state's industrial policy, local residents are entitled to 50% of supervisory-level jobs and 80% of other category jobs in private companies. 'The labour department will ensure that this provision is not just on paper but is strictly implemented," he asserted. The minister also stated that companies operating in areas developed on land acquired from locals must be held accountable for offering jobs to affected families. 'Economic development cannot come at the cost of injustice to the very people who sacrificed their lands," he added. Turning his attention to safety and environmental compliance, Fundkar directed officials to conduct immediate inspections of companies in the Kurkumbh MIDC area, especially pharmaceutical and chemical industries. He called for urgent reports on violations of safety protocols and pollution norms, warning of strict action against erring companies. Minister Fundkar's stance signals a clear policy shift toward inclusive industrial growth, where local communities are not left behind but become active stakeholders in development.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Koli women bring coastal flavour to Carter Road
The sun is still up, the breeze is warm and salty, and the promenade at Carter Road hums with familiar sights and sounds of joggers, dog walkers and evening strollers. But weekends now smell different. Steel bowls lined with marinated bangda and surmai glisten under the late afternoon light, waiting their turn to hit the hot oil. A few women in aprons and hair caps stand behind the stalls, deftly frying the day's fresh catch as curious passersby slow down, sniff the air and settle in with a plate. Since May 2, the far end of Bandra's popular waterfront has taken on a new identity, at least from Friday to Sunday evenings. That's when the Koli women of Khar Danda, who sell raw fish by day at the local market, turn into chefs by sundown, marinating, frying and serving up traditional seafood dishes — halwa, pomfret, surmai, kolambi fry, prawn biryani, fish samosa, crab lollipops, and even sweet Maharashtrian ukadiche modak from BMC-allotted stalls just steps from the sea that sustains them. At the heart of the initiative are five stalls run by five Koli self-help groups, each comprising ten women as part of an initiative to promote the culture of Mumbai's Kolis. At one stall, Meenakshi Pore stands behind trays of surmai fry, prawns, bangda, shellfish and prawn biryani. "My stall is called Aai Mauli, named after our kuldevi," she says. For Pore, the move from Danda Market to Carter Road isn't about a change in view. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "It's a chance to show our culture." "Whatever we eat at home, that's what we use to prepare these. This is not some YouTube recipe. It's ours," adds Kunda Haresh Kale, secretary of the Danda market, proudly gesturing to the spread. "Look at the variety… big surmai, halwa, fish fingers. And see the crowd coming back. That's how we know it's working." The stalls may be new, but many of the faces are familiar. Preeti Mangesh Sawant, who runs the Satli Bachat Mahila Bachat Gat stall, also sells at Khar Danda market. "We're making prawns, koliwada prawns, shellfish of different varieties," she says. "The feedback has been good. Some people eating here even remember our names." But not everyone is feasting. The initiative has run into resistance from residents group IMPACT (Citizens Movement for Environment and Civic Action), who argue that the Carter Road promenade is being "sacrificed for commercial gain." A member of the group told TOI, "Carter Road, like Marine Drive or Bandstand, is among Mumbai's most treasured open spaces. Why has the Maritime Board allowed permanent structures to be built here? This is a walking space, not a food court. " The group also pointed to signs along the promenade that prohibit eating in the area. "Why make exceptions? We're not against the Kolis, but there's space closer to their village, just a few metres away. Why wasn't that considered?" They also allege that when objections and suggestions were invited in December 2024, no public hearings followed. "It was a farce," said one resident. "The authorities never listened. " The BMC, however, has stood by the project also backed by local MLA Ashish Shelar. Civic officials told TOI that the plaza was developed along the lines of the Mahim seafood plaza, designed to support fisherwomen while offering citizens a taste of authentic coastal fare. The women are mindful of the scrutiny. Sawant shrugs off the criticism. "We're the original inhabitants of this land. If these stalls help us earn, why the resistance? Our rights to fish are already under threat from infrastructure cutting through the seas. Why object to one small source of income?" Kale adds, "We wash the space with soap water every night." Rajanpur agrees. "We clean everything before we leave." That effort isn't lost on regulars like Roshni Juneja from Santacruz, who pauses mid-walk with her son to take a look: "Everything gets dirty eventually. The whole stretch smells of fish anyway. At least here, they're feeding people and doing a good job." Among the evening walkers at Carter Road, opinions are split. "We've been watching them set up for weeks," says Sunil, a Bandra resident out with his wife, Soni. "Today we finally tried it. Taste was superb, the pricing's fair. I think it should continue." Soni isn't as convinced. "We come here to walk, not battle fried temptation. It's messing with my fitness routine!" Joyeeta Patpatia and her friend Arnold Fernandes hadn't planned on a seafood stop either. "We were playing pickleball at the YMCA and just wandered into this," says Patpatia. A snack of prawn cutlets and pomfret won them over. "It's just good fish, more reasonably priced than restaurants. No gimmicks," said Fernandes. They don't see the stalls as a disruption. "People in Bombay need fresh air, fresh fish. Carter Road is full of restaurants. Most of them don't keep their frontage clean. Here, I haven't seen a scrap of litter." Both believe the women — and the fish — have earned their spot. "Let them have their space," they say.
India.com
14-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
10 Facts About Mumbai City You Must Know
The Indian city Mumbai carries the dual identities of being both the financial capital alongside its nickname as the 'City of Dreams' and its recognition as a global metropolitan powerhouse. Mumbai serves as a multicultural center which offers various possibilities together with distinct obstacles. The rapidly developing city features deep traditions which differentiate it from other metropolitan areas. The city of Mumbai contains important information which every resident and visitor should understand. 1. Mumbai Was Once Called Bombay Mumbai received its modern name relatively not long ago. From 1995 forward the official designation of the city became Mumbai although its former name Bombay remained prevalent. The governmental initiative to modify official names from colonial origin to native monikers included the name change. According to folklore 'Mumbai' originated from 'Mumba Devi' who performed as the main goddess for the Koli fishing community that first settled in this region. The city continues to be called Bombay by numerous people although the government changed the official name officially to Mumbai. 2. Mumbai Is Built on Seven Islands Mumbai rests upon the foundation of seven original islands named Colaba, Old Woman's Island (Little Colaba), Mahim, Parel, Mazagaon, Worli alongside the Isle of Bombay. Throughout many years numerous land reclamation efforts fused these separate islands into one continuous section of land which reflects the current Mumbai territory. British colonial authorities initiated this construction of new land through land reclamation actions that continue to extend Mumbai out into the Arabian Sea through contemporary developments. 3. The Financial Hub of India Mumbai functions as India's financial epicenter by generating 6.16% of the national GDP. RBI together with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) have their headquarters in this location. The city functions as the financial hub of India because it holds headquarters for numerous multinational corporations and financial institutions in addition to banks. 4. Home to Bollywood Mumbai holds an iconic relationship with Bollywood since this industry remains the largest film production organization worldwide. Film City exists in the Andheri suburb where Hindi film studios operate as a production center. Decreasing numbers matter because Bollywood generates more than 1,000 Bollywood films every year compared to Hollywood. Mercifully the Bollywood industry provides entertainment to many people as it enhances economic activity by helping job creation and bringing visitors to the region. 5. Dharavi: Asia's Largest Slum Dharavi stands as the largest slum in Asia situated at the center of Mumbai city. 2.1 square kilometers makes up the residential area in which more than one million people reside. Dharavi functions as a thriving micro-economy because its production system consists of various small independent businesses which produce pottery and textiles and create leather goods while also including recycling units. The community demonstrates powerful traits of enterprise and strength through tough times. 6. Gateway of India: A Symbolic Landmark The Khubchandani Hills landmark which began construction in ancient times became a well-known symbol of Mumbai. British authorities built this monument in 1924 to commemorate the royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. The place now serves as a historical colonial attraction which draws thousands of annual visitors exploring Mumbai. After 1948 British forces used Gateway of India as their exit point when they departed from India thus concluding British occupation of this territory. 7. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus: A UNESCO World Heritage Site Victoria Terminus received its formal name as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and it displays Victorian Gothic architectural elements integrated with traditional Indian design concepts. Central Railway operates from this headquarters whose construction was completed in 1887 according to design by British architect F.W. Stevens. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization designated it as a World Heritage Site in 2004 because of its historical and architectural value which merited this recognition. 8. The City Never Sleeps The continuous operation of Mumbai activities throughout the day earned this city its famous designation as 'The City That Never Sleeps.' Life in Mumbai does not slow down even during nighttime because the urban area preserves constant activity through its local trains and dabbawalas and street food vendors. The city maintains continuous activity because it serves as a principal economic and cultural center which grants abundant opportunities day and night. 9. A Melting Pot of Cultures Mumbai stands out as a place which warmly welcomes different populations at an impressive level. Hundreds of thousands of Indian citizens relocate to this city to seize superior possibilities while introducing diverse cultural aspects and gastronomic delights. Marathi serves as the municipal language although Hindi, English, Gujarati, and other tongues circle throughout day-to-day usage throughout the city. The city celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi alongside Diwali, Eid and Christmas festivals with equal enthusiasm that reflects its broadminded character. 10. Environmental Challenges Amidst Urbanization The ongoing progress of Mumbai brings along major environmental problems for the city. Fast urban development and pollution together with climate rise have worsened monsoon season flooding in the city. Wastes dumped alongside river encroachment have harmed the Mithi River so critically that it now endangers environmental balance and community health in this area. Energy sector leaders develop projects to treat the Mithi River along with drainage system development programs in response to these issues. Conclusion Mumbai exists beyond its physical boundaries because it showcases aspirations along with the capacities to survive and represents the unification of various cultural traditions. Since emerging as an archipelago Mumbai has experienced remarkable developmental changes to become a worldwide metropolis. People study Mumbai because its numerous historical aspects and vibrant cultural richness together with its crucial economic position create an interesting subject of appreciation. The metropolis faces urgent matters which need sustainable solutions while addressing them. The ten facts reveal the essence of Mumbai as a unique metropolis which continues to affect many people through its struggle with contemporary urban challenges.
