President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Gujarat on Monday, 21 September for a three-day official visit covering cinema, higher education, and spiritual initiatives, beginning with a drive to Kevadia in Narmada district for the 72nd National Film Awards presentation ceremony. The visit, spanning 21 to 23 September, marks one of the President's most event-dense state tours of the year.

Arrival and Reception

Murmu landed at Vadodara Airport, where she was received by Governor Acharya Devvrat, Minister of State Praful Pansheriya, Vadodara Mayor Geeta Makwana, Police Commissioner Narsimha Komar, Major General Mohit Gandhi, and Collector Dr Anil Dhameliya. Following the reception, she departed for Kevadia, approximately 90 km from Vadodara, ahead of Tuesday's awards ceremony.

72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar

On 22 September, President Murmu will preside over the 72nd National Film Awards presentation ceremony at Ekta Nagar, according to the President's Secretariat. The ceremony will bring together recipients being recognised for their distinguished contributions to Indian cinema. Holding the event at Ekta Nagar — the planned city that has emerged as a major venue for national-scale events — continues a trend of decentralising high-profile state ceremonies beyond New Delhi.

University Convocation in Vadodara

Murmu returns to Vadodara on 23 September for the 75th annual convocation of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, one of India's oldest public universities, where she will confer degrees on graduating students. The convocation marks a significant milestone — the university's 75th such ceremony — as it enters its diamond jubilee convocation year.

Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Initiatives

Also on 23 September, President Murmu will launch the Brahma Kumaris' campaign titled 'Spiritual Awakening for World Renewal' and inaugurate the 'Global Spiritual Palace' Retreat Centre in Vadodara. She will additionally provide a virtual launch for the Brahma Kumaris Nadiad campaign, 'Youth for Viksit Bharat: Awakening Inner Strength for Nation Building', according to the President's Secretariat. The dual Brahma Kumaris engagements underscore the organisation's growing footprint in national civic life, with presidential participation lending the initiatives significant institutional weight.

What to Watch

The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be closely followed by the film fraternity, with awardees set to receive recognition directly from the President. The Maharaja Sayajirao University convocation and the spiritual campaign launches round out a visit that weaves together culture, academia, and civil society — and signals the President's active engagement with Gujarat's institutional landscape.