Name-changing spree continues unabated, govt renames Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan

• The gardens to be opened on Sunday for public for about two months this time – from January 31 to March 26
• President gives new name, Amrit Udyan, as part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” festivities, to mark 75 years of independence
• Spread over 15 acre, the Mughal Gardens has often been portrayed as the soul of the presidential palace

Wary of Muslim-sounding names in public places, the Narendra Modi government on Saturday changed the name of iconic Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi as Amrit Udyan.

The new name has been given by President Draupadi Murmu as part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” festivities, to mark 75 years of India’s independence, deputy press secretary to the President, Navika Gupta, told reporters on Saturday.

She further announced that the gardens would be thrown open on Sunday for public, and will remain open for about two months this time – from January 31 to March 26. Apart from this, a few days have also been reserved exclusively for differently-abled people, farmers, and women.

The Rashthrapati Bhavan’s official website has updated information on Amrit Udyan. “Spread over a vast expanse of 15 acres, Amrit Udyan has often been portrayed, and deservedly so, as the soul of the Presidential Palace. The Amrit Udyan draw its inspiration from the Mughal Gardens of Jammu and Kashmir, the gardens around the Taj Mahal and even miniature paintings of India and Persia,” it reads.

There are three gardens in the Rashtrapati Bhavan which were inspired by Mughal and Persian gardens. People started calling the one which was inspired from the garden in Srinagar as Mughal Garden. But the gardens were never officially named ‘Mughal Gardens’.

The Gardens are usually opened for public viewing for a month every year. However, this time the government has announced that the gardens would remain open for a couple of months. Visitors get to visit the Rectangular, Long and Circular Gardens, the Herbal Garden, Musical Garden and the Spiritual Garden–all of which make up the Mughal Gardens.

-INDIANEWS STREAM