For centuries, India’s collective psyche has carried the weight of colonial imprints, first from Mughal rule and later the British Raj. These influences permeated education, institutions, and identity, leaving a legacy of subjugation that persisted beyond independence in 1947. Without a unified national consciousness, India remained vulnerable to adopting Western philosophies, often at the expense of its indigenous ethos.

Since 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, a transformative vision has taken root to dismantle these colonial remnants and restore pride in India’s Sanatan values. Central to this is the Panch Pran—a five-pronged approach for inclusive growth: achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat), removing traces of colonial mindset, celebrating heritage, strengthening unity, and focusing on duties. The second and third resolutions directly target cognitive decolonisation, aiming to liberate the Indian mind from inherited subjugation and rekindle faith in indigenous traditions.

The effort to erase colonial influences is both symbolic and systemic, reorienting India’s narrative toward self-respect and cultural sovereignty. One of the most prominent changes was renaming Rajpath, a symbol of colonial rulership, to Kartavya Path, emphasising duty over entitlement. This shift reflects a broader intent to redefine India’s identity on its own terms. Similarly, the Indian Navy’s ensign shed the colonial Saint George’s Cross, adopting a design featuring the National Flag and a navy blue-gold octagon, dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose maritime prowess secured India’s coasts centuries ago. The 2022 Republic Day Beating the Retreat ceremony, part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, embraced Indian instruments like the sitar, santoor, and tabla, infusing patriotic fervour and replacing colonial traditions with indigenous pride.

In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, colonial nomenclature was systematically replaced. In 2018, Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island became Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island was rechristened Swaraj Dweep, commemorating Netaji’s call to rename the island as ‘Swaraj and Shaheed’. In 2024, the capital, Port Blair, was renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, and 21 islands were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees, honouring India’s military heroes. Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Mughal Garden was renamed Amrit Udyan, aligning with India’s cultural ethos. Race Course Road, home to the Prime Minister’s residence, became Lok Kalyan Marg, symbolising people-centric governance over elitist privilege. Aurangzeb Road was renamed Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, celebrating a national icon and rejecting Mughal oppression.

The Modi government also broke with colonial-era budgetary practices. The Rail Budget was merged with the Union Budget in 2017-18, ending a British legacy. In 2019, the Finance Minister was seen carrying the traditional Bahi Khata instead of the colonial briefcase for presenting the Union Budget, signalling a return to indigenous traditions. Restoring ancient names like Prayagraj and Ayodhya reconnected India to its spiritual legacy, reinforcing cultural continuity. The introduction of three new criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, prioritising justice over punishment and aligning legal frameworks with Indian values.

Parallel to erasing colonial imprints, celebrating India’s heritage has revived suppressed cultural narratives. The consecration of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya fulfilled a 500-year aspiration, dismantling impositions of a wrong narrative. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham created an unhindered passage between the temple and the Ganga, revitalising a sacred pilgrimage tradition and drawing millions to this ancient spiritual centre. At Pavagadh’s Kalika Mata Temple, PM Modi unfurled the Shikhar Dhwaj after five centuries, reclaiming a revered Shaktipeeth.

The government has also honoured unsung heroes of India’s history. The National War Memorial in New Delhi pays tribute to fallen soldiers, while the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, celebrates Sardar Patel’s role in unifying India. A grand statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate acknowledges his contributions to the freedom struggle. Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy was honoured with his birth anniversary declared as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and a memorial park in Ranchi. Tributes to Bir Lachit Borphukan and Rani Gaidinliu included renaming a Manipur railway station after the latter. The Cellular Jail was redeveloped to honour Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters.

Cultural reclamation also extended to tangible heritage. The Sengol in the New Parliament Building symbolises India’s democratic and historical legacy. Since 2014, more than 640 antiquities have been repatriated, showcasing India’s artistic heritage. The promotion of Yoga, Ayurveda, Yunani, and Siddha through International Yoga Day and the Ministry of Ayush has revitalised traditional healing practices. Globally, PM Modi has showcased India’s cultural diversity, from hosting the G20 Summit 2023 across 60 cities to events like the Ganga Aarti and Maha Kumbh 2025, highlighting India’s unity in diversity.

Through these initiatives, the Modi government is systematically dismantling colonial legacies, fostering a confident, unified India rooted in its Sanatan ethos. These steps—renaming landmarks, reviving traditions, and honouring heroes—aim to instil pride and unity, ensuring a lasting impact on future generations. Cognitive decolonisation is not just about rewriting history but reimagining a future where India stands tall, free from subjugation and proud of its unparalleled heritage.