Surat: In the last general board meeting of the current elected representatives of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), the civic body on Tuesday approved renaming its headquarters, the historic Mughal Sarai building, as Shree Tapi Bhavan. The area popularly known as Mughal Sarai was also renamed Shree Tapipura.The five-year term of the elected municipal councillors is coming to an end, after which the civic body will be governed by an administrator until a new body is elected.Both proposals were moved by city mayor Daxesh Mavani during the general board meeting and were approved unanimously by all members, including councillors from the ruling BJP and the opposition AAP.Mavani referred to Surat’s historical and cultural legacy and highlighted the city’s rich past. He said the renaming reflected the heritage and identity of Surat.In his proposal to rename the SMC headquarters, Mavani highlighted the city’s maritime history and trade links, stating that the Tapi river had played a crucial role in Surat’s growth. To permanently honour the river in the city’s memory and history, he proposed naming the building Shree Tapi Bhavan.While proposing the renaming of the area, Mavani said, “The Tapi river is like a mother for the people of the city. Surat’s splendour existed even before the Mughal rule due to the presence of the Tapi.” He also referred to the period of Mughal rule followed by British rule and mentioned the role of the Portuguese, Dutch and French in India.Mavani said that after Independence, many cities, roads and properties across the country had been renamed, and the process continues even today. As part of this broader effort, he proposed renaming the area.As soon as the proposals were introduced, councillors present in the hall stood up in support. Members welcomed the decision by thumping their desks and raising slogans. Opposition councillors also supported the move, leading to the unanimous passage of both resolutions.“It is an important and historic decision based on the demand of people and elected representatives. The previous name was a symbol of slavery, while the name of river Tapi represents the geographical importance of the river in the city’s growth. Surat has grown because of the Tapi, hence we renamed the headquarters and the area,” said Mavani.After the meeting, the elected representatives unveiled a new signboard outside the main entrance of the headquarters building.
