In a significant symbolic shift, the official residence of the Governor of Odisha has been renamed. The historic Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar will now be known as Lok Bhavan, a change announced by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday.
A Milestone for Public Connection
Governor Kambhampati shared the news on social media platform X, describing it as a meaningful milestone for the state. He stated that the new name, Lok Bhavan, truly reflects the aspirations of Odisha's people. The governor emphasized that the change reinforces a commitment to transparency, accessibility, and a stronger public connect.
The renaming is inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was carried out under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Governor Kambhampati expressed honour in leading this transition for Odisha, positioning Lok Bhavan as a vibrant space for public engagement and inclusive progress.
Following Official Directives
This administrative move is not spontaneous. It follows a specific directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated November 25. The directive itself cites a decision taken during a conference of governors held last year, indicating a broader, nationwide contemplation of such symbolic changes.
The core idea behind the renaming is to move away from the colonial-era connotation of "Raj" (rule) and embrace "Lok" (people). The objective is to build deeper public participation in governance and make the institution more approachable.
What Lok Bhavan Represents
The transition from Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan is more than just a change of signage. It is intended to signal a philosophical shift in how the governor's office interacts with citizens. The governor's post outlined a resolve to transform the venue into a hub for collaborative progress.
This renaming aligns with a larger pattern of shedding colonial nomenclature across India, undertaken to reflect contemporary Indian values and aspirations. The success of this initiative will ultimately be measured by how effectively the institution enhances its public engagement and inclusive governance in the days to come.
