Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Sushil Kumar Rinku has formally requested the Union Government to rename the Adampur Airport in Punjab's Jalandhar district. The proposed new name would honor the 15th-century saint and social reformer, Guru Ravidas.
Formal Appeal to the Central Government
In a significant move, Rinku, who represents the Jalandhar Lok Sabha constituency, has submitted a formal letter to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The appeal underscores the deep cultural and spiritual connection the region, particularly the Doaba area, has with Guru Ravidas. The MP argues that such a renaming would be a fitting tribute to the saint's legacy and his immense following among the Dalit community.
The letter, dated recently, outlines the historical and social importance of Guru Ravidas. It points out that the saint's teachings of equality, social justice, and devotion resonate powerfully with millions of people. Renaming the Adampur Airport after him is seen not just as an infrastructural gesture but as a profound recognition of his enduring influence.
Political and Social Significance of the Demand
This demand carries substantial political weight in Punjab. Guru Ravidas is a central figure for a large section of the state's population, and honoring his name is a sensitive and highly symbolic issue. Sushil Kumar Rinku's initiative is viewed as an effort to cement his party's connection with the Dalit electorate and to champion a cause of great community pride.
The Adampur Airport, officially known as Adampur Air Force Station, is a domestic airport and an important Indian Air Force base. Its civilian enclave serves the city of Jalandhar and surrounding districts. A change in its name requires approval from the Union Cabinet, following a detailed process that considers historical, logistical, and communal factors.
Broader Context and Potential Outcomes
The push to rename the airport comes amid a broader national trend of renaming public infrastructure and places to reflect India's diverse cultural heritage. If successful, the Adampur Airport would become the second major airport in Punjab to be named after a spiritual figure, following the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar.
The AAP MP's request has sparked discussions in political and social circles in Punjab. Supporters believe it is a long-overdue honor for a saint whose philosophy challenged caste hierarchies. The move is now in the hands of the central government, and its decision will be closely watched as a marker of its stance on such symbolic gestures. The coming weeks will reveal whether this proposal gains the necessary ministerial and cabinet support to become a reality.
