A clarion call for cultural resurrection rang through Parliament as RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha demanded Wednesday that Bihar’s Patna reclaim its ancient moniker, Pataliputra—the fabled seat of Mauryan might. In Rajya Sabha’s thanks to President Murmu’s address, he masterfully fused heritage with progress.
Detailing the empire’s vast dominion over lands from Nepal to Afghanistan, Kushwaha evoked pride in Pataliputra’s legacy. ‘It symbolizes our golden past when India shone as the world’s wealthiest,’ he said, urging removal of ‘the dust of time’ from these relics. Echoing Murmu’s point on history inspiring youth toward developed India, he positioned the rename as a motivational catalyst.
He marshaled examples of successful renamings: Kolkata, Odisha, Mumbai, questioning the reluctance for Patna. Bihar’s Mauryan peak, with UNESCO-worthy sites, stands as a beacon, he argued.
This isn’t mere nostalgia; it’s a strategic nod to roots amid rapid change. As political winds shift in Bihar, Kushwaha’s pitch could rally heritage advocates. The government’s response will gauge commitment to blending antiquity with ambition, potentially setting precedent for more such restorations.