President Droupadi Murmu Renames Halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu announced on Thursday that two important halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan have been renamed. Durbar Hall is now called Ganatantra Mandap, and Ashok Hall is renamed Ashok Mandap. This change aims to make the ambience of Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos.
Why the Names Were Changed
Durbar Hall, the venue for important ceremonies like the presentation of National Awards, was renamed because the term ‘Durbar’ refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British, which lost relevance after India became a republic. The new name, ‘Ganatantra Mandap’, aligns with the concept of ‘Ganatantra’, deeply rooted in Indian society.
Ashok Hall, originally a ballroom, was renamed to ‘Ashok Mandap’ to bring uniformity in language and remove traces of anglicisation. The word ‘Ashok’ signifies being free from suffering and is associated with Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. The National Emblem of India, the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath, also reflects this significance.
Doubts Revealed
President Droupadi Murmu -: She is the current President of India, which means she is the head of the country. She makes important decisions and represents India.
Rashtrapati Bhavan -: This is the official home of the President of India. It is a very big and beautiful building in New Delhi.
Durbar Hall -: This was a big room in Rashtrapati Bhavan used for important ceremonies. It has now been renamed Ganatantra Mandap.
Ganatantra Mandap -: This is the new name for Durbar Hall. ‘Ganatantra’ means ‘Republic’ in Hindi, reflecting India’s democratic values.
Ashok Hall -: This was another important room in Rashtrapati Bhavan, originally used as a ballroom. It has now been renamed Ashok Mandap.
Ashok Mandap -: This is the new name for Ashok Hall. ‘Mandap’ means a covered structure with pillars, often used for ceremonies in India.
Indian cultural values and ethos -: These are the important beliefs, traditions, and practices that are part of India’s rich history and culture.
Linguistic uniformity -: This means using the same language or style of words to make things consistent and easy to understand.
Ashok -: Ashok is a name that is associated with Emperor Ashoka, a great Indian ruler known for spreading Buddhism and values of peace.
