President Murmu Renames Key Halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan to Reflect Indian Values
President Murmu Renames Key Halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan to Reflect Indian Values
President Droupadi Murmu has announced the renaming of two significant halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan: ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ will now be known as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap,’ respectively. This decision aims to enhance the cultural ambiance of the prestigious building, aligning it with Indian values and ethos.
“Ashok Hall” was originally a ballroom. “Ashok” refers to a person who is without grief or suffering of any kind. Moreover, “Ashoka” alludes to Emperor Ashok and represents harmony and peaceful cooperation. This symbolism is also used in the National Emblem of India, which features Ashok’s lion capital from Sarnath. The Ashok tree, which is important to Indian religious customs, artwork, and culture, emphasizes the name’s significance even more. Renaming “Ashok Hall” as “Ashok Mandap” preserves the ideals connected to the name “Ashok” while bringing uniformity to language and getting rid of any anglicization.
After India became a republic, the term “Durbar,” which was once linked with the courts of Indian emperors and the British Raj, became obsolete. According to the statement, “Durbar Hall,” which served as the location for important events including the presenting of national awards, would now go by the name “Ganatantra Mandap.” Since “Ganatantra,” or republic, is a deeply embedded concept in Indian society, “Ganatantra Mandap” is an appropriate name for this significant location.
“Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and the residence of the President of India, is a symbol of the nation, and an invaluable heritage of the people. Continuous efforts are being made to make it more accessible to people. There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in the statement “Accordingly, President Droupadi Murmu is pleased to rename two of the important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan – namely, ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ – as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’ respectively,” it added.
