Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two prominent halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan—‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’—as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’ respectively. This move aims to infuse the stately building with Indian cultural values and ethos.
“Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and residence of the President of India, symbolizes the nation and is an invaluable heritage of the people. Efforts are continuously made to make it more accessible and reflective of Indian cultural values,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan stated.
“President Droupadi Murmu is pleased to rename ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’ respectively,” the statement added.
This renaming is part of the BJP government’s broader initiative to eliminate colonial legacies. The term ‘Durbar’ refers to courts of Indian rulers and the British Raj, losing its relevance when India became a republic. ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ signifies the deeply rooted concept of the republic in Indian society, making it an apt name for the venue of important ceremonies like the presentation of National Awards.
The statement also highlighted the significance of the name change for Ashok Hall, originally a ballroom. The word ‘Ashok’ signifies being free from suffering and is associated with Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. Renaming it as ‘Ashok Mandap’ aligns with Indian cultural traditions and eliminates traces of anglicisation while upholding the values associated with the name.
