Why IIT Bombay is Still ‘Bombay’ and Not ‘Mumbai’

For many years, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in the city of Bombay has retained its traditional name, even as the city itself has been officially renamed to Mumbai. This article explores the historical, institutional, and practical reasons behind this naming decision.

Traditions and Global Recognition

The name IIT Bombay has remained unchanged for several significant reasons. Firstly, the traditional roots of the institution deeply resonate within its community. Established in 1958, IIT Bombay has become synonymous with academic excellence and a legacy that has endured for over six decades.

Secondly, global recognition plays a crucial role. Internationally, the name 'Bombay' is well-known and readily associated with the institution. Changing the name could dilute this recognizable identity and potentially confuse international partners and institutions.

Institutional Identity

Furthermore, institutional identity cannot be underestimated. Many alumni and stakeholders strongly identify with the name 'IIT Bombay.' Changing the name could impact the deep-rooted sense of pride and affiliation among its community. As one former student eloquently put it, 'People have grown so accustomed to hearing IIT Bombay that IIT Mumbai sounds rather uncomfortable at this point.'

Legal and Administrative Constraints

A legislative framework further complicates any change in the name. In the case of IIT Khargpur, Delhi, Kanpur, and Madras, these institutions were established under Acts of Parliament, which explicitly mentioned their names along with the cities associated with them. Any change to these names would require amending these Acts, making the process incredibly cumbersome and logistically challenging.

The official name change from Bombay to Mumbai occurred in 1995 when the Shiv Sena party assumed power. However, over 200 years, the name 'Bombay' had deeply embedded itself in the collective consciousness. Erasing it would be akin to erasing history. As one retiree mentioned, 'Almost 200 years of people calling it Bombay makes it incredibly difficult to take this name out of people’s lives easily.'

Practical Considerations

From a practical standpoint, changing the name of a high-profile institution like IIT would only introduce confusion. For instance, if IIT Bombay were to change its name to IIT Mumbai, it could inadvertently lead to confusion with another prestigious institution, IIT Madras. As one insider pointed out, 'I personally feel it would be easier, familiar and very cool to call it IIT Bombay. But now a days you’ll even see “IIT Mumbai” written on conference ID cards, bags, t-shirts, and events happening in the campus.'

Furthermore, changing the name of a government institution is not a straightforward task. It involves extensive red tape, legal procedures, and bureaucratic hurdles. Avoiding these complications seems a more sensible approach. As one influential figure stated, 'Changing names of Government institutions is not just a simple thing to do. Therefore, rather avoid the hassle.'

The Future: A Balancing Act

While the name 'IIT Bombay' may continue to be used for the foreseeable future, how the institution presents itself to the public is another matter. The title could be updated in various contexts to reflect the city's name change, such as in marketing materials, official documents, and official communications.

However, the core identity of the institution remains rooted in its name. For alumni, current students, and the broader academic community, 'IIT Bombay' holds a special place. It is a symbol of heritage, excellence, and academic pride.

In conclusion, while the name may seem anachronistic, it is a reflection of tradition, institutional identity, and practical considerations. The name 'IIT Bombay' will likely remain as a nod to the past, while the institution continues to evolve and thrive in the present and future.