Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Urged to Restore Ooty’s Original Name

A demand has been made to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to rename the hill station Udhagamandalam back to its popular name, Ootacamund (Ooty). The town, located in the Nilgiris district, was officially renamed Udhagamandalam in 1972 as part of a Sanskritisation policy. However, locals and tourists continue to refer to it as Ooty or Ootacamund, and many feel the original name should be restored. The call for renaming comes from groups who argue that the 1972 change was unnecessary and erased the region’s historical identity. Ootacamund, often shortened to Ooty, is believed to have derived from the Toda language, referring to a village or settlement. The current name, Udhagamandalam, is a Sanskritised version that many find less familiar. Supporters of the name change say it would honour local heritage and make it easier for visitors to identify the destination. The Chief Minister has not yet responded to the request, but the matter has gained attention in local media. Ooty is one of India’s most popular hill stations, known for its botanical gardens, tea plantations, and scenic railway. The debate over its name reflects broader discussions about language and cultural identity in the region.