GUWAHATI, Nov 20: The Assam Cabinet, on Tuesday, officially renamed Karimganj district to Sribhumi, a decision announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Recognized as one of Assam’s major districts, Karimganj will now bear a name deeply rooted in local identity and spiritual significance.
The new name, Sribhumi, reflects a historical connection dating back over a century. Rabindranath Tagore referred to the area as “Sribhumi” (Land of Goddess Lakshmi), and the renaming fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the local community to restore historical recognition.
Chief Minister Sarma took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news, writing, “Over a 100 years ago, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore had described modern-day Karimganj District in Assam as ‘Sribhumi’ — the land of Maa Lakshmi. Today the #Assam Cabinet has fulfilled this long-standing demand of our people.”
The local population responded positively to the renaming, celebrating it as a significant acknowledgment of their cultural heritage. Krishnendu Paul, the MLA of Patharkandi, expressed his gratitude, stating that the name change honors the region’s rich traditions and instills pride among residents.
Historically, Karimganj was part of the Sylhet District before India’s Partition and became a district in 1983. The renaming aligns with the Assam government’s broader initiative to change place names lacking historical or linguistic context. Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that this decision reflects the people’s aspirations and strengthens their cultural identity.
