New Delhi, July 25 (Reporter) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday announced the renaming of two important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’. Durbar Hall, known for hosting important ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of National Awards, has been renamed ‘Ganatantra Mandap’. While, Ashok Hall, which was originally a ballroom, has been renamed ‘Ashok Mandap’, according to the official statement. There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos, the statement said. The term 'Durbar' refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British. It lost relevance after India became a Republic, that is, ‘Ganatantra’. 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 is “bereft of any sorrow”. Also, ‘Ashoka’ refers to Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful co-existence. 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. 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'...////...