THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 25: Two prominent halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan, Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, have been renamed as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap respectively, as stated in a release from the President’s Secretariat.
“Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and residence of the President of India, is a symbol of the nation, and an invaluable heritage of the people. Continuous efforts are being made to make it more accessible to people. There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos,” the release stated.
Durbar Hall, which hosts key ceremonies and events such as the National Awards presentation, is now renamed Ganatantra Mandap.
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According to the release, the term ‘Durbar,’ historically associated with the courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British, lost its relevance after India became a republic, or ‘Ganatantra.’ Given that ‘Ganatantra’ is deeply rooted in Indian culture from ancient times, renaming the venue to Ganatantra Mandap reflects a more fitting and culturally resonant designation.
“Ashok Hall was originally a ballroom. The word ‘Ashok’ connotes someone who is “free from all sufferings” or “bereft of any sorrow”. Also, ‘Ashoka’ refers to Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. 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,” the release further said.
The release mentioned that renaming ‘Ashok Hall’ to ‘Ashok Mandap’ enhances linguistic consistency and eliminates traces of anglicization, while maintaining the important values linked to the word ‘Ashok.’
