India to drop ‘His Excellency’

Colonial era words like ‘His Excellency’ used for addressing state dignitaries in India will soon be passe. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee approved a new set of protocol to be used in greeting and meeting dignitaries inside and outside the country. Besides, Mukherjee also directed authorities to organise government functions for him within the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises to reduce the burden on police and the inconvenience caused to people.

“Use of the word ‘His Excellency’ will be discontinued while organising functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President.“In Hindi, Rashtrapati Mahoday should be used in place of Mahamahin during such occasions,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesman in a statement said yesterday.

Mukherjee, after reviewing the current protocol practices, also directed that 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. Whereas, "Excellency" will be used only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries as is customary international practice, it said.

It has also been decided that the word 'Rashtrapati Ji' will replace 'Mahamahim' in official notings in the President's Secretariat. Officials said all changes in protocol practice, which have been conveyed to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action, will be implemented with immediate effect.

"Taking into account inconvenience caused to public during his movement within the city and in order to reduce the burden on police and other agencies, the President has instructed that, to the best extent possible, all functions be organised within Rashtrapati Bhavan premises itself," it added. Mukherjee was sworn in as the 13th President of the country on July 25 this year.

(PTI)