Gujarat governor’s home gets new identity as Lok Bhavan

Ahmedabad: Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar — the official residence and office of the state governor — will henceforth be officially called Lok Bhavan, marking a shift towards a more people-first institutional identity. The change comes after the Union home ministry instructed all states and Union territories to adopt the new nomenclature. Gujarat officials said the move is intended to boost transparency and connect the governor's office more closely with citizens.Governor Acharya Devvrat said the guiding principle of Lok Bhavan is that the "people are paramount, and the building should serve as a bridge between the govt and society". He said the aim is to ensure that the institution goes beyond constitutional functions and becomes deeply connected with people's welfare, hopes, and concerns, which is the true essence of Lok Bhavan."The building will serve not only as the residence and office of the governor but also as a centre for dialogue and participation with the state's citizens, various social groups, students, researchers, farmers, and civic organisations," said a Lok Bhavan statement quoting the governor.Devvrat also highlighted a range of public welfare initiatives undertaken in recent years, including campaigns promoting natural farming, stronger moral education in universities, youth engagement, environmental conservation, women's empowerment, and tribal development.The Union home ministry also directed that Raj Niwas (the official residence of the lieutenant governor) be changed to Lok Niwas. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have renamed their Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan.