A forgotten Delhi street sign finds new voice after Cyprus honours PM Modi. Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
A quaint lane tucked away in the heart of Delhi has suddenly found itself in the international spotlight. Archbishop Makarios Marg, named after Cyprus’s first President, is making headlines after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Cyprus’ highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III.
The development has triggered curiosity among residents and political observers alike, as a Delhi Road gains spotlight after PM Modi’s honour in Cyprus, renewing interest in India’s long-standing ties with the Mediterranean island nation.
A Forgotten Road with Global Roots
Archbishop Makarios Marg is located near Delhi’s Lodhi Road area and has long remained under the radar – mostly known to locals, government officials, and embassy workers. The road was renamed in the 1980s to honour Archbishop Makarios III, a towering figure in Cyprus’ independence movement and a contemporary of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Makarios III had visited India in 1962 and developed a deep bond with the country’s leadership during the heyday of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In fact, when Nehru passed away in 1964, Cyprus observed a national mourning day – a gesture still remembered in diplomatic circles.
PM Modi’s Award Rekindles Historical Ties
During his recent visit to Cyprus, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III – the country’s most prestigious civilian honour. The award was presented by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in recognition of Modi’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote global peace.
Soon after the honour was announced, social media buzzed with trivia about the Delhi road named after Makarios. What was once a little-known street is now part of the mainstream conversation, symbolising the shared legacy between two democracies.
Symbolism of the Non-Aligned Era
The Delhi Road in spotlight after PM Modi’s honour in Cyprus is not an isolated case. In the post-colonial years, several roads in India’s capital were renamed to honour world leaders who shared India’s anti-imperialist values. Streets such as Josip Broz Tito Marg, Ho Chi Minh Marg, and Fidel Castro Marg stand testimony to that era of solidarity.
These names were more than symbolic; they represented India’s foreign policy ethos -one rooted in equality, non-alignment, and mutual respect.
Historical Recognition in Today’s Context
According to historians, the rekindled interest in Archbishop Makarios Marg reflects a broader theme of reclaiming historical narratives. “Street names are not just geographical markers; they’re political statements,” notes international relations expert Dr. Ritu Kohli. “This moment reaffirms how old friendships can gain renewed relevance.”
The Delhi Road gaining spotlight after PM Modi’s honour in Cyprus is a case in point – it bridges the past and present, while also hinting at future diplomatic collaborations in trade, education, and technology.
Delhi Residents React
For those living in the Lodhi Road vicinity, the sudden attention has brought a sense of pride. “We walk down this street every day without thinking much about it. Now it feels like part of global history,” says Anand Sharma, a retired bureaucrat who has lived in the area for over two decades.
Others hope the development will lead to better upkeep and recognition of similar roads that have faded into obscurity. “It’s time we reintroduced these names to school textbooks and tourist circuits,” says Radhika Menon, a history teacher.
More Than a Road, a Symbol of Continuity
As India expands its diplomatic presence globally, such symbolic recognitions play a crucial role in preserving historical ties. The Delhi Road in spotlight after PM Modi’s honour in Cyprus isn’t just trending for its name – it is a quiet yet powerful reminder of India’s role in shaping a multilateral world.
The honour bestowed upon Modi in Cyprus may be recent, but the roots of this relationship stretch far back – and a street in Delhi stands as quiet proof of that enduring bond.
