President Droupadi Murmu Renames Rashtrapati Bhavan Halls Reflecting Indian Heritage

President Droupadi Murmu has renamed Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall in Rashtrapati Bhavan to Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap. This change emphasizes Indian cultural values and seeks to make the Presidential estate more accessible. Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall have historical and symbolic significance, aligning with India's identity.

President Droupadi Murmu has made a landmark decision by renaming two significant halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Durbar Hall will now be known as Ganatantra Mandap, and Ashok Hall has been rechristened Ashok Mandap. According to a release from the President's Secretariat, this move aims to infuse the Presidential estate with Indian cultural values and ethos.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan, both the office and residence of India's President, stands as a national symbol and an invaluable heritage site. Efforts are continuously made to enhance its accessibility to the public. Durbar Hall, historically used for key ceremonies such as the National Awards presentation, finds its name 'Durbar'—which relates to Indian royal courts—outdated in the context of India as a republic, or 'Ganatantra.'

The concept of 'Ganatantra,' deeply embedded in Indian culture since ancient times, makes 'Ganatantra Mandap' an appropriate new moniker. Similarly, renaming Ashok Hall to Ashok Mandap ensures linguistic consistency and maintains the significance attached to 'Ashok,' whether it refers to being 'free from sorrow' or associated with Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peace, and the national emblem, the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath.