Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra hinted at renaming the iconic Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar.
The decision aims to shed colonial-era names and replace them with identities that honour the state’s rich history. The final call on renaming will be made by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi after public sentiment and expert consultation.
Located near the railway station, Master Canteen is a major commercial hub. While its colonial name carries historical relevance, many citizens and cultural groups have been advocating for its renaming to reflect Odisha’s identity. The minister emphasised that several other places in the state with British-era names are also under review for renaming.
As discussions progress, citizens remain divided—some welcome the change as a step towards cultural pride, while others worry about losing familiarity with the landmark’s long-standing identity.
