It’s now official. Ringing in changes in protocol just over a month after he took office, President Pranab Mukherjee has formally shed the colonial practice of using words such as “His Excellency” or “Mahamahim” in Hindi.
Instead of these words, the traditional “Shri” or “Smt” will precede the names of officials.
“Use of ‘His Excellency’ will be discontinued while organising functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President,” a statement released by Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Tuesday.
Observing that Mukherjee had a review of current protocol practice and formally approved the changes with immediate effect, the release said: “The word ‘Hon’ble’ will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’. The traditional Indian greeting of ‘Shri’ or ‘Smt’ should precede the name. ‘Excellency’ will be used only during interaction with foreign dignitaries as it is a customary international practice.”
When it comes to addressing in Hindi, the President’s office said, “In Hindi, ‘Rashtrapati Mahoday’ should be used in place of ‘Mahamahim’ during such occasions.”
The decision of the president has been conveyed to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.President Mukherjee’s preference to do away with the “colonial” words was known when he visited Lalit Narayan Mishra University at Darbhanga, Bihar, last week.