A peculiar debate has emerged in Mumbai, centered around the naming of penguin chicks born at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, popularly known as Byculla Zoo or Rani Baug. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is advocating that these penguins, born on Mumbai's soil, should be given Marathi names, sparking a discussion about linguistic pride, cultural identity, and the "son of the soil" sentiment.
The BJP's stance, spearheaded by Nitin Bankar, a leader from the Byculla Assembly constituency, is rooted in the argument that while it was acceptable to name the penguins brought from abroad with English names, the chicks born in Mumbai deserve Marathi monikers. Bankar has emphasized that Marathi has received classical language status, questioning why this should not extend to naming the zoo's newest residents. He also suggested names like "Adu, Sanju & Teju" for three penguin chicks, instead of the current names, "Noddy, Tom and Pingu".
This demand isn't just a simple request; it's a statement of cultural and regional identity. The BJP's actions can be seen as a way to connect with local sentiments, especially with upcoming elections to the Mumbai civic body. By championing the Marathi language in this context, the party is tapping into a sense of pride and belonging among Marathi-speaking residents.
Bankar has claimed that repeated appeals to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding this issue have been ignored. He stated that he had written to the BMC administration, but received no response. Frustrated by the lack of action, Bankar and other BJP members staged a protest outside the Byculla Zoo to highlight their demand. The protest also addressed the branding of the zoo on social media platforms as "Mumbai Zoo," as opposed to its official name which honors Chhatrapati Shivaji's mother.
The debate raises several questions about the role of language in public spaces and institutions. While some may see the BJP's demand as a parochial attempt to impose regional identity, others may view it as a legitimate effort to celebrate and preserve Marathi language and culture. Naming, after all, is a powerful act that can shape perceptions and reinforce cultural values.
Furthermore, this controversy highlights the growing importance of regional languages in India's political and cultural landscape. As India continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, the question of how to balance national identity with regional pride remains a critical one. The penguin naming debate in Mumbai is just one small example of this larger struggle.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to rename the penguin chicks rests with the BMC. However, the BJP's protest has ensured that the issue remains in the public eye, prompting a broader conversation about language, identity, and the meaning of belonging in a diverse metropolis like Mumbai.
