President Droupadi Murmu has announced that two significant halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan have been renamed as part of an effort to better reflect Indian cultural values and ethos. The Durbar Hall will now be known as Ganatantra Mandap, and the Ashok Hall will be renamed Ashok Mandap.
This decision aims to align the ambience of Rashtrapati Bhavan, which serves as both the office and residence of the President of India, with the cultural and traditional values of India.
According to a release from the President's Secretariat, these changes are part of a broader initiative to make Rashtrapati Bhavan more representative of Indian heritage.
Durbar Hall has traditionally been used for important ceremonies and celebrations, including the presentation of National Awards. The term 'Durbar' historically refers to the courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British colonial administration.
However, after India became a republic, the term 'Durbar' lost its relevance. To better reflect India’s republican identity, the hall has been renamed Ganatantra Mandap, which translates to 'Republic Mandap' or 'Republic Hall.' This new name is intended to honour the concept of ‘Ganatantra,’ or ‘republic,’ which is deeply rooted in Indian society and history.
Ashok Hall, previously a ballroom, is now renamed Ashok Mandap. The term ‘Ashok’ carries significant meaning in Indian culture. It denotes someone who is free from suffering and also refers to Emperor Ashoka, a historical figure symbolising unity and peaceful coexistence.
The National Emblem of India features the lion capital of Ashoka from Sarnath, and the Ashok tree holds substantial significance in Indian religious traditions and arts.
The renaming of Ashok Hall to Ashok Mandap not only maintains the connection to the esteemed historical figure and the symbolic tree but also helps in removing the traces of anglicisation.
This change aims to bring uniformity to the language used within Rashtrapati Bhavan while honouring the cultural and historical values associated with the term ‘Ashok.’
These updates in the naming of key areas within Rashtrapati Bhavan reflect a broader effort to ensure that the President's residence embodies the core cultural values of India.
By making these changes, the President’s Secretariat hopes to create a space that is both respectful of Indian heritage and reflective of the nation’s republican ideals.
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