President Droupadi Murmu completed three years in office on Friday. Several initiatives were launched on the occasion, aiming at enhancing inclusivity and accessibility. President Murmu reiterated her commitment to connecting all sections of society—especially the underprivileged and backward classes—with the nation’s development journey.
In brief remarks, President Murmu expressed satisfaction over growing citizen engagement with Rashtrapati Bhavan in recent years. “It is always our endeavour to effectively connect all sections of society, especially the underprivileged and backward classes, with the country’s development journey,” she said.
Murmu, 67, was sworn in as India’s 15th President on July 25, 2022, becoming the first tribal leader to hold the country’s highest constitutional post.
In her address, the President stated with pride that the Rashtrapati Bhavan has become more accessible to divyangjan (persons with disabilities). A statement from her office highlighted that the President’s Estate is now divyangjan-friendly, following the implementation of a 50-point recommendation by the Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities.
“It is a matter of satisfaction that in the past three years, many decisions were taken and works were done which increased the engagement of citizens with Rashtrapati Bhavan,” she added.
President Murmu also launched the process to transform Rashtrapati Bhavan into a ‘Net Zero’ campus by March 2027.
The other initiatives unveiled included the expansion of the Rashtrapati Bhavan website – now accessible in 22 Indian languages – and the launch of ‘e-Upahaar Season 2’, an auction of over 250 gifts presented to the President and her predecessors. According to the statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, “All proceeds from the auction will be donated to initiatives supporting the welfare of children.”
Enhancing visitor experience at presidential properties, Murmu inaugurated facilities such as a visitor facilitation centre at Rashtrapati Bhavan, `Nilayam Nikunj` at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, a cafeteria and souvenir shop at Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra (Uttarakhand), and a renovated gym at the President’s Estate in Delhi, reported PTI.
An e-book released on the occasion chronicled the President`s third year in office. A section titled “Global Bonds” detailed her state visits to countries, including New Zealand, Fiji, Timor-Leste, Algeria, Mauritania, Malawi, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, and Rome. She became the first Indian head of state to visit Fiji, Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi.
During her overseas trips, President Murmu received top honours in Fiji and Timor-Leste and was awarded honorary doctorates in Algeria and the Slovak Republic.
The e-book also captured her domestic engagements, including her visit to the Siachen base camp, where she paid tribute at the Siachen War Memorial. The President of India is the supreme commander of the armed forces.
President Murmu’s emphasis on inclusivity has been a hallmark of her presidency. She hosted a `purple fest` to celebrate diversity and regularly invited divyangjans to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Amrit Udyan. Under the `Tribal Connect` initiative, she met tribal leaders from across the country and actively engaged with women’s groups, especially those from self-help groups and tribal communities.
She has delivered around 25 convocation addresses at prestigious institutions including AIIMS, the National Institute of Design, BIT Mesra, NALSAR, and the National Forensic Sciences University.
Efforts to open Rashtrapati Bhavan to the public have also seen encouraging results. Over the past year, more than 11 lakh people visited Amrit Udyan, around 2.5 lakh toured Rashtrapati Bhavan, and 3.4 lakh explored the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, according to official figures.
(With PTI inputs)