Karnataka steps into the 50th year of formation on November 1. And on the occasion, the state government has a very 'expensive' gift for people of the state -- their state capital Bangalore will now be called Bengalooru.
Also, coming soon are names like Mysuru (Mysore), Mangalooru (Mangalore), Shivamogga (Shimoga), Tumakuru (Tumkur), Kolara (Kolar), Haasana (Hassan), Rayachuru (Raichur) and Belagavi (Belgaum).
The idea to rename Bangalore, which was first mooted by Jnanpith winner U R Ananth Murthy hoping to give the city a Kannada flavour, has not augured well with most people.
Some say that the state government is wasting the tax-payers' money unnecessarily while others say that such measures would not be enough to shake off the colonial heritage.
Do you agree with the state government's decision to rename Bangalore and other places? Would it make any difference? Tell us.