Abbreviating history for convenience

Ludhiana, October 9, 2013(Aditi Gyanesh)- Residents like it short and simple when it comes to pronouncing names of their localities. SBS Nagar, BRS Nagar, SKS Nagar and SAS Nagar are few of the colonies named after big personalities, who gave up their lives for the freedom of the country. But over the period of time, the city seems to forgetting and losing interest in the history behind these names, which inspired the authorities to name colonies after them.  This correspondent  finds out what residents think on the matter. Ritu Sharma, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar, says, "Who will pronounce such a big name every time. Full forms of these colonies are needed when filling a legal or any other official form. People don't even bother to know about the history of their colonies. The government named it and people bought properties."

"People find it convenient, but these names bind us to the roots of Ludhiana and the state. I always pronounce the complete name of my locality so that name of the freedom fighter lives on forever. This is what makes me feel proud," says Hardev Singh, a retired college principal of Shaheed Karnail Singh (SKS) Nagar.

Kripal Singh, a member of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar welfare society, says, "Naming colonies after freedom fighters was a way to pay tributes to them. It was also a way to remind people of the contribution of these stalwarts and follow their path. But the purpose is dying today as no one has the time to care about the history of their colonies."

Importantly, this trend of shortening names is not just restricted among residents. Even officials of Ludhiana municipal corporation have started using these abbreviated colony names in documents. Officials reasoned, "If we don't write in short forms, people who are new to the city may never reach their destination. So, keeping it short and simple has become a priority."