TN Governor drops colonial-era title; ‘His Excellency’ becomes ‘Honourable’

Vidyasagar Rao is, however, not the first to forego the colonial era title.

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Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao has directed that the title “Honourable Governor” be used on ceremonial and official communication, while discontinuing the present practice of using the term “His Excellency” to address him. The announcement was made by the Raj Bhavan in its press release on Sunday.

However, the press released noted that the salutation “His Excellency” will continue to be used in interaction with foreign dignitaries, as is customary international practice.

Rao is however not the first state dignitary to forego the colonial era title.

In 2012, President Pranab Mukherjee had dropped the usage of the salutation “His Excellency”, and had then approved a new set of protocol to be used.

“Use of the words His Excellency will be discontinued while organising functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President,” stated a press release by Rashtrapati Bhavan in October 2012.

Mukherjee had also directed that the word “Hon’ble” will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’.

In 2013, then Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan followed in the President’s footsteps, foregoing the title “His Excellency” and the Hindi term “Mahamahim”.

Kerala Governor P Sadasivam has also urged officials to address him as “Honourable Governor” in all correspondence.