Will President Murmu Celebrate Her Birthday by Opening Rashtrapati Niketan?

New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu is set to mark her 67th birthday in Dehradun on Friday, where she will oversee the final arrangements for the public unveiling of Rashtrapati Niketan, the historic 186-year-old Presidential Retreat located in the capital of Uttarakhand, starting June 24, as confirmed by an official source.

The expansive estate, covering 21 acres, is being opened to the public as part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering greater citizen interaction with the President and preserving the rich heritage of Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to an official announcement detailing the President’s agenda.

On Friday, President Murmu will visit Rashtrapati Niketan to review the preparations for the estate's public accessibility, the statement noted.

Additionally, she is expected to lay the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre ecological park that is anticipated to be completed by next year, the official revealed.

Since 2023, this initiative has allowed public visits to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, and Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, six days a week.

As part of this effort, the Change of Guard Ceremony has been revamped at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, featuring an enhanced seating capacity since February, according to the official.

Located in Dehradun, Rashtrapati Niketan, formerly known as Rashtrapati Ashiana, was previously utilized by the President's Bodyguards for training their PBG horses. This heritage site now exhibits a carefully curated array of artwork, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past, as per the statement.

Guests will also have the chance to see the stables and horses belonging to the President's Bodyguard.

The estate features attractions such as the Lily Pond, Rockery Pond, Rose Garden, and Pergola.

Besides Rashtrapati Niketan, visitors can explore Rashtrapati Tapovan, a 19-acre forest trail located on Rajpur Road. This serene space offers a rich array of native trees, winding pathways, wooden bridges, elevated platforms for birdwatching, and peaceful spots for reflection and meditation.

This area has been designed to connect visitors with nature through guided trails, seasonal flora, and eco-friendly interpretive elements.

The proposed Rashtrapati Udyan aims to become a vibrant ecological and recreational area, complete with themed gardens, a butterfly garden, a scenic lake, an aviary, and a designated play area for children.

The park's design includes a sports zone, walking paths, jogging and cycling tracks, water conservation systems, and educational installations — creating an interactive environment that promotes environmental awareness, active lifestyles, and family-friendly engagement with nature, as outlined in the statement.