Two important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan have been renamed as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’.
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday announced the renaming of two of the most important halls at Rashtrapati Bhavan – Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’ respectively, according to the official statement.
The renaming of these two halls is part of the government’s consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos.
Durbar Hall is the venue of important ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of National Awards. The term ‘Durbar’ refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British. It lost relevance after India became a Republic, that is, ‘Ganatantra’.
The concept of ‘Ganatantra’ is deeply rooted in Indian society since ancient times, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ an apt name for the venue.
Ashok Hall was originally a ballroom. The word ‘Ashok’ connotes someone who is “free from all sufferings” or is “bereft of any sorrow”. Also, ‘Ashoka’ refers to Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful co-existence. The National Emblem of the Republic of India is the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath. The word also refers to the Ashok tree which has deep significance in Indian religious traditions as well as arts and culture.
Renaming ‘Ashok Hall’ as ‘Ashok Mandap’ brings uniformity in language and removes the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word ‘Ashok’.
