Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence and office of the President of India, has renamed its iconic ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ to ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’, respectively. This change aims to better reflect Indian cultural values and heritage.
In a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, it was accentuated that efforts are ongoing to make Rashtrapati Bhavan more accessible to the public and to ensure that its ambience resonates with Indian ethos. The renaming of these important halls aligns with this vision.
The ‘Durbar Hall’, a venue for significant national ceremonies such as the presentation of national awards, has been renamed ‘Ganatantra Mandap’. The term ‘Durbar’, historically associated with courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British, was deemed outdated after Bharat became a Republic. The concept of ‘Ganatantra’ (Republic) has ancient roots in Indian society, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ a fitting new name for the hall.
Originally a ballroom, ‘Ashok Hall’ is now ‘Ashok Mandap’. The name ‘Ashok’ connotes being free from suffering and is associated with Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. The national emblem of Bharat, the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath, further reinforces this connection. The renaming to ‘Ashok Mandap’ brings linguistic uniformity and removes traces of anglicisation while upholding the values symbolised by Ashok.
These changes by President Droupadi Murmu mark a significant step in preserving and promoting Bharat’s rich cultural heritage within the prestigious Rashtrapati Bhavan.
