India, Dec. 2 -- In a striking reflection of the Narendra Modi government's push to recast the language and symbolism of Indian governance, at least eight states and one Union Territory have renamed their Raj Bhavans to "Lok Bhavan", signalling a shift from colonial-era authority to citizen-centric service.

The move is part of a broader pattern championed by Prime Minister Modi, who has repeatedly sought to anchor public institutions in the ideas of seva (service) and kartavya (duty). Government buildings, central avenues and official residences have undergone symbolic rebranding during his tenure, with names reframed to project responsibility rather than privilege.

The most visible example came in 2022, when Delhi's Rajpath ,a ceremoni...