President Droupadi Murmu has taken a significant step to align the ambience of Rashtrapati Bhavan with Indian cultural values by renaming two of its important halls. The Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall will now be known as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively.
President Murmu Renames Rashtrapati Bhavan Halls
#President #DroupadiMurmu renames two of the important halls of #RashtrapatiBhavan – namely, ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ – as ‘#GanatantraMandap’ and ‘#AshokMandap’ respectively: @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/VJflKwCmyK
— ∴DaTaChArTGuY∴ (@DaTaChArTGuY) July 25, 2024
This move aims to reflect the ethos and heritage of India more accurately within the iconic building that serves as the office and residence of the President of India. Rashtrapati Bhavan, an invaluable symbol of the nation, stands as a testament to India’s rich history and heritage.
In a recent statement, Rashtrapati Bhavan emphasised the continuous efforts to make the building more accessible and reflective of Indian cultural values. “Rashtrapati Bhavan is a symbol of the nation and an invaluable heritage of the people. They are making continuous efforts to make it more accessible to people and reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos.
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Significance Of The Renaming
The renaming of Durbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap is particularly significant. The term ‘Durbar’ historically refers to the courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British Raj. However, its relevance diminished after India became a republic. The new name, Ganatantra Mandap, embodies the concept of a republic, a principle deeply rooted in Indian society since ancient times.”The term ‘Durbar’ lost its relevance after India became a Republic, that is, ‘Ganatantra’. The statement elaborated that the concept of ‘Ganatantra’ has deep roots in Indian society since ancient times, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ an apt name for the venue.
Similarly, Ashok Hall has been renamed Ashok Mandap. Historically used as a ballroom, the name ‘Ashok’ holds profound significance in Indian culture. It connotes someone free from suffering and also associates with Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. The National Emblem of India features the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath, further cementing the importance of this name. The term also refers to the Ashok tree, which holds deep religious and cultural significance in India.” the statement noted.
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In conclusion, the renaming of Durbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Hall to Ashok Mandap is a significant move towards decolonising Rashtrapati Bhavan. It reflects the continuous efforts to make this iconic building resonate with Indian cultural values and ethos, aligning with the nation’s republican ideals and rich heritage.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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