Name Change of Darbar Hall and Ashok Hall

Date: July 25, 2024

Announcement By: President Droupadi Murmu

Name Changes

• Darbar Hall: Renamed to Gantantra Mandal
• Ashok Hall: Renamed to Ashok Mandap

Darbar Hall

Significance: Venue for important ceremonies, including the presentation of national awards.

Meaning of 'Darbar': Refers to the courts of Indian rulers and the British.

Relevance: The term 'Darbar' lost its significance after India became a republic.

New Name: 'Gantantra Mandal' is suitable as it reflects the ancient concept of a republic.

Ashok Hall

History: Originally a ballroom.

Meaning of 'Ashok': Means 'free from all sorrows' or 'free from any suffering.'

Symbolism: Represents Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence.

National Symbol: The lion at the top of the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath is the national emblem of India.

New Name: 'Ashok Mandap' maintains linguistic uniformity and preserves the values associated with the term 'Ashok,' while removing Anglicization.