President Murmu Renames two Iconic Halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi: On Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu renamed two significant halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The iconic ‘Durbar Hall’ will now be known as ‘Ganatantra Mandap,’ while ‘Ashok Hall’ has been renamed ‘Ashok Mandap.’ This move aligns with ongoing efforts to make Rashtrapati Bhavan more accessible and reflective of Indian cultural values.
The renaming initiative is part of a broader trend of changing place names across India, a process that has accelerated since the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power. However, it is crucial to note that President Murmu’s decision is independent and not directly related to the ruling party, aside from the timing.
The newly named Ganatantra Mandap, formerly Durbar Hall, is a venue for significant ceremonies, such as the presentation of National Awards. The term ‘Durbar’ is historically associated with the courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British, which lost relevance after India transitioned to a republic. The concept of ‘Ganatantra,’ meaning republic, has deep roots in Indian society, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ a fitting name. This renaming signifies a move towards embracing and emphasizing India’s republic status, shedding colonial legacies.
Similarly, the renaming of Ashok Hall to Ashok Mandap holds significant cultural and historical relevance. Originally a ballroom, the hall’s new name ‘Ashok’ signifies being free from sorrow and references Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. The National Emblem of India, derived from the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath, further emphasizes this connection. The Ashok tree also holds deep significance in Indian religious traditions and culture. By renaming Ashok Hall to Ashok Mandap, the Rashtrapati Bhavan removes traces of anglicization while maintaining the significant values associated with ‘Ashok’.
These changes by President Murmu highlight a broader effort to reflect Indian heritage more accurately in the nation’s symbols and institutions. The renaming of these halls is a step towards making Rashtrapati Bhavan a true symbol of the nation’s cultural ethos and republican values.
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