President Murmu Renames ‘Durbar Hall’ as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ & ‘Ashok Hall’ as ‘Ashok Mandap’

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th July. In a move to reflect Indian cultural values and ethos more accurately, President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two prominent halls within Rashtrapati Bhavan. ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ will now be known as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’, respectively.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, serving as both the office and residence of the President of India, is a symbol of national pride and heritage. Efforts have been ongoing to enhance its accessibility and ensure it embodies Indian cultural values.

‘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’.