New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday launched a series of citizen-centric initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President’s Estates to mark the completion of four years of her Presidency, with a focus on accessibility, sustainability and public engagement.
Among the key initiatives was the launch of an application-based e-Audio Guide for visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Available in Hindi, English and 14 other Indian languages, the guide also includes a sign-language module to make the visitor experience more inclusive. The President also launched the third edition of e-Upahaar, featuring 300 curated Presidential gifts for public auction from August 5 to September 5.
Murmu inaugurated Bachpan ‘Bal Parisar’, which includes ‘Kilkari’, a children’s play zone, and ‘Samarth Anganwadi-cum-Palna’, designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children living in the President’s Estate. She also flagged off RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector), a fare-free electric bus service operated entirely by women drivers and conductors to provide safe and eco-friendly transport within the estate and to the nearest Metro station.
The President also laid the foundation stone for a service block under the Net Zero Energy Strategy, inaugurated accommodation facilities at Rashtrapati Niketan, Dehradun, and Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad, and launched the redevelopment of staff quarters in the President’s Estate.
Addressing the gathering, Murmu said Rashtrapati Bhavan had been transformed into a vibrant symbol of India’s democratic values and cultural heritage. She highlighted initiatives such as the installation of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the inauguration of Param Vir Dirgha and Granth Kutir, and the Indianisation of State Rooms.
Later, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan released five publications documenting different phases of President Murmu’s tenure and presented the first copies to her in the presence of Minister of State L. Murugan. Praising the President’s leadership, the Vice-President described her journey from a tribal village in Odisha to the nation’s highest constitutional office as a powerful example of the strength and inclusiveness of Indian democracy.
