Provide details of birth and death anniversary of legendary king Ashoka: CIC instructs government

‘Ashoka the Great’ was one of the greatest monarchs of India who laid an empire straddling the whole subcontinent. The emperor’s reign spread from the frontiers of Afghanistan in the West to Bengal in the east. So, when does the birth and death anniversary of King Ashoka falls and whether or not it is celebrated in our country?

Four ministries of Union Government--Defence, Finance, Home and Culture--have been tasked by the Central Information Commission to furnish the information.

Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur issued this order on the plea of one Arun Kumar who wanted to know from the Prime Minister’s Office the dates of birth and death anniversaries of legendary King Ashoka; whether they are celebrated and what is the action plan undertaken regarding their celebration.

Kumar was told by the PMO that they have forwarded his request on dates and action plan regarding the celebrations to the Culture Ministry, while the query on whether it is celebrated or not has been marked to Defence Ministry, Home Ministry and Finance Ministry.

"The Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs are advised to provide the information to the appellant on his RTI application...," Mathur said.Ashoka was the third monarch of the Mauryan dynasty. He was born in 304 BC and died in 232 BC.