Should the Colonial Title 'Lord' Be Removed from Textbooks and Government Records?
Synopsis
BJP MP Sujeet Kumar calls for an immediate review of educational materials and official documents that still use the colonial title 'Lord' for British officials. He believes this practice undermines the spirit of India's independence and promotes a colonial mindset.
Key Takeaways
78 years after Independence, colonial titles still exist in educational materials.
Calls for a review of government documents are growing.
Using 'Lord' fosters a colonial mindset and undermines equality.
Renaming Rajpath reflects a shift in national identity.
Decolonization of education is essential for future generations.
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) During the Zero Hour session in the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP from Odisha, Sujeet Kumar, advocated for an immediate reassessment of educational materials, government publications, and official online platforms that still utilize the colonial title 'Lord' when referring to British Governors-General and Viceroys.
Kumar mentioned that he had performed a random examination of NCERT history books for Classes 8 and 12, along with the websites of various ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Press Information Bureau, and Archaeological Survey of India, uncovering numerous references to individuals such as Lord Curzon, Lord Mountbatten, and Lord Dalhousie.
He pointed out that even the official site of Raj Bhavan in Bihar had employed the term “Lord” to describe colonial leaders.
“It is regrettable that, after 78 years of Independence, we still elevate these colonial rulers by referring to them as ‘Lord’, despite their atrocious and brutal acts against our populace,” Kumar expressed.
He contended that such terminology fosters a colonial mentality, erodes social equality, and contradicts the essence of the Constitution.
Drawing a comparison with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path, Kumar argued that this change was not just a symbolic act but a representation of a transition from colonial views to civic duty and national pride.
He recalled PM Modi’s address during Independence Day from the Red Fort, where the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to break free from the “slavery mindset” as part of the vision for Amrit Kaal.
“Why do we continue to honor titles bestowed by the British for their imperial ambitions? Our freedom fighters do not receive such veneration. A robust democracy like ours must discard these remnants of colonialism,” Kumar emphasized.
His remarks contribute to the rising demand for decolonizing India’s educational framework and official narratives, in line with the government’s broader initiative to remove colonial symbols and promote indigenous stories.
Point of View
Aiming to foster a more inclusive and representative narrative for future generations.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Sujeet Kumar want to remove the title 'Lord' from official documents?
Sujeet Kumar argues that the title 'Lord' perpetuates a colonial mindset and undermines social equality, which is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.
What is the significance of renaming Rajpath to Kartavya Path?
Kumar believes that renaming Rajpath to Kartavya Path signifies a shift from colonial attitudes to civic responsibility and reflects India's commitment to national pride.
How does this issue relate to India's education system?
This issue is part of a larger movement to decolonize India's education system, aiming to eliminate colonial references and promote indigenous narratives.
