IIT Bombay vs IIT Mumbai, debate has received a mixed response from academics?

The academic response to renaming IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai has been mixed. Many scholars emphasize that the name “IIT Bombay” carries significant international recognition and historical prestige, contributing to its global brand value. IIT Bombay has consistently ranked among India’s top institutions and enjoys strong employer and academic reputation worldwide, underlining the importance of preserving its established identity. On the other hand, proponents of renaming argue that using “Mumbai” aligns the institute more closely with the city’s official name, reflecting regional pride and cultural identity, much like the ongoing debate over the Bombay High Court whose name also retains colonial-era legacy despite political pressures for change. Critics of the renaming caution against potential costs and administrative disruptions, while supporters view it as a rightful assertion of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Thus, the debate balances between honoring historical legacy and evolving regional identity within a politically charged environment.