Why were the two halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan renamed by

Solution

President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two significant halls at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to reflect the republican ethos and remove traces of anglicisation. Durbar Hall, now called Ganatantra Mandap (Republic Hall), was renamed to better represent India's status as a Republic, moving away from the outdated term 'Durbar' which is associated with the courts of Indian rulers and the British era. This renaming emphasizes the deep-rooted concept of the Republic in Indian society since ancient times. Similarly, Ashok Hall, originally a ballroom, has been renamed Ashok Mandap to align with the values of unity and peaceful co-existence symbolized by Emperor Ashok and the National Emblem. The renaming of these halls aims to bring uniformity in language and uphold the values associated with the term 'Ashok', thereby reinforcing the republican ethos of India.