Google renames Kolkata’s Dorina crossing to ‘Abhaya crossing’ after doctor's request

Google Maps has officially updated the name of the well-known "Dorina Crossing" in Kolkata to "Abhaya Crossing." This change follows a formal request from the West Bengal Doctors' Forum (WBDF), which advocated for the renaming to honor a victim of a brutal attack. The forum had raised concerns about the colonial associations of the name "Dorina" and recommended a more culturally relevant name for the crossing, which is a key location in the Esplanade area.

The name "Dorina" was widely believed to have been named after a British figure, as many Kolkata streets are named after colonial-era personalities. However, further investigation revealed that "Dorina" was linked to a local cloth store named "Ma Dorina" that was situated near the crossing. The store, which was popular for its neon sign, had been a landmark in the area for many years before it closed down. Despite the store's closure, the name persisted, and the crossing continued to be referred to as Dorina Crossing.

The West Bengal Doctors' Forum's request led to the renaming of the crossing to "Abhaya Crossing." The name "Abhaya," meaning "fearless" or "courageous," was chosen to symbolize strength and resilience, aligning with the campaign to honor the victim's story and to replace colonial-era references with names that reflect modern values. The decision to rename the crossing is part of a broader trend in Kolkata to reconsider street names that were historically associated with colonial figures and to replace them with names that have local significance.

Following the request from the doctors' forum, the authorities took action to change the name, and the new name "Abhaya Crossing" is now visible on Google Maps. The update reflects a shift in Kolkata's approach to naming public spaces, as the city seeks to ensure that street names resonate with contemporary culture and heritage. The renaming of Dorina Crossing to Abhaya Crossing marks an important step in the ongoing process of rethinking and renaming public landmarks across the city.