Kolkata’s Lok Bhavan has named its six entry gates after prominent literary figures, social reformers, freedom fighters and tribal leaders, creating a new identity system for the entrances to the state’s official residence. The change was initiated by West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi, according to a report by Sanmarg published on October 12.
The six gates have been named after Rishi Bankim Chandra, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, Khudiram Bose, Raja Rammohan Roy and Sidho-Kanhu. Name boards have been installed in front of each entrance, with the Ashoka emblem also engraved on the boards.
The southern entrance has been named Rishi Bankim Gate. The road connecting this gate to the inner entrance of Lok Bhavan has been named Kartavya Path. The report states that the President, Prime Minister and Governor use this route when entering Lok Bhavan.
The entrance located towards AG Bengal and the Calcutta High Court has been named Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy Gate. Bidhan Chandra Roy served as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal and was also a physician. The northern main entrance has been named Kav the?
The northern main entrance has been named Kav guru Gate, in honour of Rabindranath Tagore. This entrance is primarily used by members of the public, according to the report. The north-western entrance has been named Khudiram Bose Gate, while the north-eastern entrance has been named Raja Rammohan Roy Gate.
The eastern entrance has been named Sidho-Kanhu Gate, after Sidho and Kanhu Murmu, who are associated with a historic tribal uprising. The names collectively represent Bengal’s literary heritage, social reform movements, freedom struggle and tribal history.
The naming follows an earlier change to the institution’s identity. During the tenure of former Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, the name of Raj Bhavan was changed to Lok Bhavan. The latest decision gives each of the six entrances a distinct public-facing identity while retaining the building’s role as the Governor’s official residence and a prominent state institution in Kolkata.
Sanmarg reported that boards bearing the new names have been placed at all six entrances. The report did not provide details on the cost of the signage, the date of installation, or any change to public access procedures at Lok Bhavan.
