Rename Aurangabad? Demand Rises to Honor 'Bihar Vibhuti' Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh
A formal petition has been sent to the Bihar CM to rename Aurangabad district in honor of 'Bihar Vibhuti' Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh.
A significant move to reshape the identity of a district in Bihar has been set in motion. A formal petition has been submitted to the Chief Minister of Bihar, urging the government to rename Aurangabad district in honor of the legendary leader and 'Bihar Vibhuti', Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh.
The request was spearheaded by Sanjeev Kumar Singh, the State President of the Rajya Mahotsav Sangh. In a formal letter (R.M.S. 29/26) dated November 4, 2026, sent to the Lok Sevak Awas in Patna, the organization highlighted that this is not a sudden request but a long-standing public demand to honor a son of the soil.
The Legacy of Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh
The petition outlines several compelling reasons why the district should carry the name of Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh, emphasizing his monumental contributions to both the state and the nation.
A Native Son and Freedom Fighter
Born on June 18, 1887, in Poiya village—which currently falls within the boundaries of the Aurangabad district—Dr. Singh’s roots are deeply embedded in the region. He was a stalwart of the Indian independence movement and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. His commitment to the cause of freedom saw him play pivotal roles in:
- The 1917 Champaran Satyagraha
- The 1930 Salt Satyagraha
- The Quit India Movement
His bravery and defiance against colonial rule led to his imprisonment on multiple occasions.
Architect of Modern Bihar
The Rajya Mahotsav Sangh describes Dr. Singh as one of the primary architects of modern Bihar, standing alongside other giants like Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. Shri Krishna Singh. His administrative legacy is vast:
- British Era: Served as Deputy Prime Minister in 1937.
- Independent India: From 1946 to 1957, he served as the first Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of independent Bihar.
- Diverse Portfolios: His leadership extended to critical sectors including health, agriculture, public works, and labor.
Nation Building and Family Legacy
Beyond state politics, Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh contributed to the very foundation of the Indian Republic as a member of the Constituent Assembly, helping to frame the Constitution of India. The legacy of service continued through his son, Satyendra Narayan Singh, who also rose to become the Chief Minister of Bihar. Furthermore, the A.N. Sinha Institute was established in Patna in 1958 to keep his memory alive.
The Proposed Change
The petition expresses a sense of disappointment that a figure of such stature, born on the very land of Aurangabad, has not yet had the district named after him. The Rajya Mahotsav Sangh suggests two possible names for the administration's consideration:
- Bihar Vibhuti Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh District
- Bihar Vibhuti Anugrah Dham, Aurangabad
The proponents of the change argue that renaming the district would not only be a fitting tribute to the 'Bihar Vibhuti' but would also serve as a powerful source of inspiration for the younger generation to follow in the footsteps of such a selfless and dedicated leader.