NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, namely, Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively. Durbar Hall is the venue of important ceremonies and celebrations, such as the presentation of the National Awards. Ashok Hall, which was originally a ballroom, is the venue of special ceremonies in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement that the decision to change the names of the two halls is part of its continuous efforts to create an ambience that reflects Indian culture and values.

The term 'Durbar' refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British and it lost relevance after India became a Republic, that is, 'Ganatantra'. The release said that the concept of 'Ganatantra' has been deeply rooted in Indian society since ancient times, making 'Ganatantra Mandap' an apt name for the venue.

'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,' it said.

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', it added.

Last year, the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan was renamed as 'Amrit Udyan'.