Dharmendra Pradhan proposed replacing Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) with a new global time system called “Mahakal Standard Time” (MST), arguing that India’s ancient city of Ujjain was historically a central hub for timekeeping and astronomy.
During a visit to Ujjain, Pradhan stated that the current global time standard is based on a colonial-era reference line passing through Greenwich in England, and suggested that it should be replaced with a system rooted in India’s scientific and historical traditions. He claimed that Ujjain had been a key centre for time calculations in the ancient world and should be recognised globally for that role.
The proposal was made at the inauguration of the “Mahakal: The Master of Time” international conference, where Pradhan also unveiled the Ujjain Science Centre and launched a science exhibition. He linked the idea to a broader effort to revive India’s scientific heritage and move away from what he described as colonial-era influences in education.
Supporting the proposal, Mohan Yadav said that Ujjain historically served as an important centre for astronomy and time measurement, referencing traditional Indian texts like the Surya Siddhanta. He added that ancient Indian systems of timekeeping, based on celestial movements such as sunrise and planetary motion, were scientifically grounded.
Pradhan also emphasised the need to move beyond the “Macaulay mindset,” referring to colonial educational frameworks, and highlighted the development of scientific infrastructure in Ujjain as part of that vision.
The proposal, however, drew criticism from opposition leaders. Rashid Alvi dismissed the idea, calling it impractical and accusing the government of focusing on symbolic changes rather than substantive development.
The suggestion to establish Mahakal Standard Time has sparked debate, with supporters framing it as a step toward reclaiming historical scientific contributions, while critics view it as unrealistic in the context of globally standardised time systems.
