'Kartavya Path will put an end to colonial mindset, pave way for new India': PM Modi

"The symbolic representation of the colonial era is now history, from now on, Rajpath will be known as Kartavya Path," PM Modi said as he inaugurated the Kartavya Path.

PM Modi also unveiled a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate before inaugurating the stretch of the revamped Central Vista Avenue christened as Kartavya Path

"By putting up the Netaji statue here, we have embodied the modern and new India, which was Netaji's vision for a free India," said a proud Prime Minister, who also paid floral tributes to the staue.

"Kartavya Path is a representation of India's value. This will give inspiration to people who come to visit Delhi," he said.

"It symbolises a shift from Rajpath being an icon of power to Kartavya Path being an example of public ownership and empowerment," said PM.

"If you have entrusted the government to work for the people, how can you name it Rajpath which is the symbol of colonisation?  How can the government then work for the people of the country? With the change of name, the government representatives will now keep the nation first motto and work towards the development of the people. Now when MPs, Ministers will walk on Kartavya Path they'll realise their responsibilities," said Modi.

Rajpath was witness to the dawn of India's Independence and hosts the annual Republic Day celebrations. This ceremonial boulevard runs from Raisina Hill complex to India Gate and was first known as Kingsway, a central axis in the city of 'New' Delhi built after the British Raj shifted its capital here from Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1911.

The entire stretch has been revamped under the Modi government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project. 

All these are in line with the prime minister's second 'Panch Pran' for New India amid the Amrit Kaal celebrations that aims to remove "all traces of colonial past" from both mindset and locales.

The stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate has been refurbished with red granite walkways with greenery added to all sides.