What Did President Murmu Unveil at Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun?

New Delhi, June 20 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu, currently visiting Uttarakhand from June 19-21, officially opened the Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun on Friday.

During the ceremony, she also inaugurated several public facilities, such as the Visitor Facilitation Centre, Cafeteria, and Souvenir Shop, and laid the groundwork for Rashtrapati Udyan at Rashtrapati Niketan.

Additionally, an amphitheatre at Rashtrapati Niketan was launched on Thursday.

Located on Rajpur Road in Dehradun, Rashtrapati Tapovan, covering 19 acres, is a Presidential Estate positioned at the foothills of the Himalayas, focusing on spiritual retreat and environmental conservation. This dense forest area is home to 117 plant species, 52 butterfly types, 41 bird species, and seven wild mammals, including some protected species. The ecosystem features natural bamboo groves and untouched woodland.

Established in 1976 as a Presidential Retreat, Rashtrapati Niketan boasts a rich legacy going back to 1838, when it served as a summer camp for the Governor General’s Bodyguard. Spanning 21 acres, it includes lily ponds, historic structures, orchards, and stables.

Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre public park, is designed to be a model of accessibility and ecological responsibility, aiming to be a Net-Zero public park that is fully accessible to Divyangjan. It aspires to serve as a hub for community engagement, promoting wellness, culture, and civic pride.

On this occasion, a book detailing the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan, and Rashtrapati Udyan was released. The book catalogs over 300 flora species and 170 fauna species, including butterflies, birds, and mammals.

The public will be able to view Rashtrapati Tapovan starting June 24 and Rashtrapati Niketan from July 1, 2025.

President Murmu also visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun, engaging with students and touring the Model School Science Lab and Computer Lab.

In her remarks, the President emphasized that a society's progress can be measured by how it treats individuals with disabilities. She noted that India's history is replete with instances of compassion and inclusiveness. “The elements of human compassion and love have always been integral to our culture and civilization,” she remarked.

She highlighted the government's commitment to empowering and ensuring equal participation for Divyangjan through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which focuses on creating an accessible environment in terms of physical spaces, transportation, and communication.

President Murmu stated that we live in an era driven by science and technology, where even individuals with disabilities can significantly contribute to society. She expressed satisfaction that the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities emphasizes holistic development through an inclusive education system and advanced technological resources.

She urged society to actively support disabled individuals in all aspects of life.