In a significant symbolic shift, the official residence of the Punjab Governor in Chandigarh has been formally renamed. The historic building, long known as Raj Bhavan, will now be called Lok Bhavan, Punjab.
Official Order and Immediate Effect
The change was enacted through an official order issued by the governor's secretariat on December 4, 2025. The order cited a communication received from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs dated November 25, 2025, as the basis for the decision. The renaming took effect immediately, stripping away the colonial-era 'Raj' (rule) in favor of 'Lok' (people).
Governor Hails Democratic Ethos
Speaking at an event on Thursday, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria warmly welcomed this nationwide transition from 'Raj Bhavan' to 'Lok Bhavan'. He stated that such renaming profoundly reflects India's democratic ethos and the spirit of people's participation in governance.
In his address, Governor Kataria recalled the monumental role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in unifying the 562 princely states after Independence and countering colonial designs to divide the nation. He positioned the name change as a step in line with that unifying vision.
Linking Past Vision to Present Initiatives
The Governor also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in strengthening Patel's legacy through the launch of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative on October 31, 2015. He emphasized that India's strength lies in its diversity.
Governor Kataria highlighted how the unique social, cultural, geographical, and historical strengths of states like:
- Uttarakhand
- Jharkhand
- Assam, including the sacred Kamakhya Temple
- Nagaland
collectively contribute to India's rich identity. He connected this collective strength to the nation's ongoing journey towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047).
A Symbolic Step in a Larger Narrative
The renaming of the Punjab Governor's residence is not an isolated event but part of a broader, symbolic national movement. It seeks to replace terminology associated with imperial rule with terms that resonate with the sovereignty of the people. The move in Chandigarh sets a precedent, reinforcing the idea that the seat of authority derives its power from the public, a core principle of the world's largest democracy.
