PM Modi leads efforts to remove colonial symbols, including renaming Rajpath as Kartavya Path

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 25 years in public service, a journey defined by the mantra of Jan Seva Se Desh Seva, and a relentless commitment that continues. Guided by this vision for Seva and Sushasan, the Government has been ceaselessly working towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Through inclusive development and social empowerment, this dedication is transforming lives. Today, in our special series, we bring you an instance of how this vision has been translated into action through initiatives aimed at removing the colonial mindset.
The history of modern India is deeply entangled with two centuries of British colonialism, and decades after Independence. Over the past few years, the Government has slowly been steering India, away from these vestiges of British rule. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day in 2022, the Prime Minister outlined five resolutions, or Panch Pran for the next 25 years. Elaborating on the second Praan, he said, in no part of citizens’ existence, not even in the deepest corners of mind or habits should there be any ounce of slavery.
In a concerted effort to free the country from its colonial legacy and promote a distinct Indian identity, the Government has undertaken a series of initiatives across various sectors. the historic Rajpath in New Delhi was renamed Kartavya Path and inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2022.  Similarly, a grand statue of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was installed near India Gate, which has replaced the statue of King George the Fifth. The Indian Navy also adopted a new ensign in 2022, replacing the earlier design that featured the Saint George’s Cross. The Government has merged the Rail Budget with the Union Budget from budget year 2017-18, ending a practice dating back to 1924. BJP leader Ram Madhav has said that restoring India’s cultural and civilizational identity is a symbol of self-respect. He added that decolonisation is the real patriotism that is happening today.
The Government has further sought to revive literature banned during British rule, with the National Archives of India compiling a catalogue of banned poems, writings and publications from the freedom struggle. In addition, more than 1,500 obsolete laws have been repealed in recent years as part of efforts to simplify governance and remove outdated legal provisions.These initiatives reflect the Government’s stated commitment to building a confident, self-reliant India rooted in its cultural heritage and national values.