Mangaluru: The movement to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru is gathering pace, with Deputy Commissioner H V Darshan confirming that an official proposal is being prepared for submission to the Karnataka state government.
The initiative gained traction during a DISHA meeting, where MLA Harish Poonja and MP Brijesh Chowta strongly advocated for the name change. They emphasized the need to align the district’s identity with the internationally recognized “Mangaluru” brand, which is increasingly associated with growth and global relevance.
Supporters of the change, including cultural figures and KPCC member Rakshit Shivaram, argue that the term “Dakshina Kannada” reflects a colonial legacy and no longer resonates with the district’s modern identity. They believe renaming it would not only honor local sentiment but also boost regional recognition in administrative, economic, and cultural contexts.
A formal memorandum in support of the renaming will soon be presented to senior state authorities, highlighting widespread backing for the shift.