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Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
President inaugurates Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan on 67th birthday
Dehradun: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday inaugurated part of the Presidential Retreat in Dehradun, now renamed Rashtrapati Niketan, on her 67th birthday and Rashtrapati Tapovan which will be open for public viewing from June 24. The president, who is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand that began Thursday, also laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre public garden at Rashtrapati Niketan. She also visited the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) and was moved to tears when a group of visually impaired children sang for her on her birthday. Union Minister for social justice and empowerment, Virendra Kumar was also present on the occasion. "The progress of a country or society can be judged by the way it treats persons with disabilities," she said. "India's history is full of inspiring incidents of sensitivity and inclusiveness. Elements of human compassion and love have always been present in our culture and civilisation. Through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which focuses on creating an accessible physical, transport, information, and communication ecosystem, the govt is striving for empowerment and equal participation of the divyangjan. " She added, "Today's era is one of science and technology. With the help of advanced tools, even people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to the mainstream. Society must support and encourage them in every sphere." Later, Murmu inaugurated the Rashtrapati Niketan in the presence of Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) and chief minister Dhami. She also released a postage stamp marking 125 years of the Raj Bhavan in Nainital. The 172-acre Presidential Estate has been transformed from an exclusive retreat into a public space celebrating biodiversity, heritage, and sustainability. Established in 1838 as a camp for the Governor General's Bodyguard, the estate later served as a private retreat for India's presidents. For decades, its serene orchards, colonial stables, and forest trails remained off-limits to the public till the creation of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan, and Rashtrapati Udyan. Spread across 21 acres, Niketan blends natural beauty with heritage. It now features a 200-seat amphitheatre and visitor amenities designed to foster cultural engagement and reflection. Its corridors showcase curated archival photographs from the Presidential Archives, offering glimpses into key moments of India's history and the evolving role of the presidency. The presidential rooms have been adorned with Uttarakhand's traditional art including Pahari miniatures, Aipan designs, and local crafts reflecting the region's cultural richness. Rashtrapati Tapovan, developed in collaboration with the Uttarakhand forest department, is a serene forest zone inspired by India's ancient tradition of learning in nature. It features silent zones, forest trails, meditation huts, shaded pergolas, and hosts 117 plant species, 52 butterflies, 41 bird species, and seven wild mammals, including protected species. Natural bamboo groves and undisturbed woodland ecosystems enrich the landscape. While Tapovan will open to the public on June 24 while Niketan will open on July 1. Biodiversity conservation lies at the core of the experience. Visitors can join expert-led walks to explore native medicinal plants, understand forest ecology, and learn from local ecological knowledge. Rashtrapati Udyan, for which the president laid a foundation stone, is a 132-acre sustainable public park designed through public consultation. It will include walking and cycling tracks, butterfly domes, an 800-seat amphitheatre, an aviary, and boating zones. Intended as a green lung for Dehradun, it also aims to serve as a national symbol of environmental responsibility. Officials said biodiversity restoration is central across all three zones. Native trees have been replanted, degraded grasslands left untouched to encourage pollinators, and wetlands revived to support amphibians, birds, and aquatic life. Interpretive boards throughout the estate explain these efforts: how the estate's microclimate supports the Doon Valley watershed, why native bees are vital for agriculture, and how small ecological interventions can have lasting impact. Heritage and ecology come together here to create a space that is intellectually enriching, emotionally grounding, and environmentally conscious. A book documenting the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan, and Udyan was also released on the occasion. It catalogues over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna, including butterflies, birds, and mammals found across the estate.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Watch: President Murmu breaks down in tears as specially-abled students sing birthday tribute in Uttarakhand
A Song That Touched the President's Heart 'I Could Not Hold Back My Tears' President's Schedule in Uttarakhand Live Events Birthday Wishes Pour In (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel President Droupadi Murmu got emotional on Friday when students from the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) sang a special birthday song for her. The touching moment took place during her visit to the institute in Uttarakhand, where she is currently on a three-day differently abled students sang a heartfelt tribute to the President on her 67th birthday. The song was so moving that President Murmu was seen with tears in her eyes, struggling to hold back her emotions. Photos and videos of the moment quickly spread across social media, with many users praising the students' gesture and the President's after the performance, the President said, 'I could not hold back my tears. They sang from their heart and did it so beautifully.' She thanked the students and staff of the Institute for their warm wishes and her visit from June 19 to 21, President Murmu is scheduled to inaugurate the Presidential Niketan and take part in cultural and educational programmes . She will also launch several development projects on the campus. On Saturday, she will participate in a state government event to mark International Day of Yoga and release a book on the biodiversity of the Presidential Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and other leaders wished President Murmu on her Modi wrote: 'Warmest birthday wishes to Rashtrapati Ji. Her life and leadership continue to inspire crores. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people.'Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also posted on X, saying, 'Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Honourable President Droupadi Murmu ji on her birthday.'Inputs from agencies
India.com
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Emotional Moment For President Murmu As Visually-Impaired Children Sing For Her Birthday
President Droupadi Murmu had an emotional moment as she got overwhelmed during an event when the students from the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) sang a song to wish her on her birthday. As the students of the Institute sang melodious birthday wishes for the President, she got teary-eyed by the gesture. The video of her emotional moment was shared by netizens on social media platforms as several users called it a 'heartwarming moment'. "I could not hold back my tears. They sang from their heart and did it so beautifully," according to IANS, President Murmu later told the gathering, expressing her gratitude. Dehradun, Uttarakhand: President Droupadi Murmu gets emotional while attending an event at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities on her birthday — IANS (@ians_india) June 20, 2025 Leaders Extend Wishes To President Earlier on Friday, several leaders in India wished President Murmu for her birthday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended wishes to her and added that her leadership continues to inspire the people of the country. "Warmest birthday wishes to Rashtrapati Ji. Her life and leadership continue to inspire crores of people across the country. Her unwavering commitment to public service, social justice and inclusive development are a beacon of hope and strength for everyone. She has always worked to empower the poor and downtrodden. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people," the PM wrote on X. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha also posted on X, wishing President Murmu, "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Honourable President Draupadi Murmu ji on her birthday." "I wish you a healthy and long life," the Congress Leader added. Murmu's Uttarakhand Tour President Murmu, currently on a three-day tour to Uttarakhand, visited the Institute, where the differently abled students sang a birthday tribute for her. She is on a visit to the state from June 19 to 21, and will inaugurate the Presidential Niketan and participate in various cultural and educational programmes. The President will also release a book on the biodiversity of Presidential Niketan and participate in a state government programme on the International Day of Yoga on Saturday.
NDTV
9 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Video: President Turns Emotional As Visually Impaired Children Sing Birthday Song
Dehradun: President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand, was moved to tears on Friday as a group of visually impaired children sang a song to wish her on her 67th birthday. Ms Murmu visited the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) here. Addressing the children, the president said she got emotional as they sang beautifully. "I could not hold back my tears. They were singing so beautifully. They were singing from their heart," she said. #WATCH | Dehradun | President Droupadi Murmu gets emotional as the students of the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities extend birthday wishes to her with a song. — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2025 The president said the talent possessed by the group reaffirmed her view that children born with disabilities are blessed with certain special abilities. She also encouraged them to move ahead with confidence, saying their success is certain. Ms Murmu asserted that the government policies are designed to empower people with disabilities and provide them equal opportunities to grow. She commended everyone associated with the institute for working with dedication to empower children born with disabilities. "India's history is full of instances of human kindness and inclusiveness," she said and asked the children to contribute to nation-building by getting empowered through education. Addressing the children, Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) said the country is passing through a transformative phase. "We are moving steadily towards achieving the vision of a strong India by 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. You are an integral part of this journey of nation-building," the governor said. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wished the president a long and healthy life so that the country continues to get the advantage of her guidance. "Her life has been full of struggles. Coming from a very humble background, she rose to positions of eminence and always worked for the uplift of the deprived sections," the chief minister said. The president arrived in Uttarakhand on Thursday. She would inaugurate a renovated President's Retreat -- renamed Rashtrapati Niketan -- for the public here later in the day. She would also inaugurate and lay the foundation of various projects on its sprawling campus. The president will leave for Delhi on June 21 after participating in a yoga demonstration programme at the Police Lines here on International Yoga Day.
India Gazette
9 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"They sang with their hearts, not voices": President Murmu moved at NIEPVD in Dehradun
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 20 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu grew visibly emotional during her visit to the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun on Friday, as students sang a heartfelt birthday song dedicated to her. 'It seemed they were singing with their hearts, not voices,' she said, fighting back tears. President Murmu was felicitated at the institute by Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. During her visit, she also inaugurated the newly constructed Rashtrapati Niketan on Rajpur Road. President Murmu became visibly emotional as students of the institute extended birthday wishes to her with a heartfelt song performance. Speaking at the event, President Murmu praised the students' cultural performance, saying, 'The tears did not stop from my eyes. It seemed to me that they were not singing from their necks; they were singing with their hearts--as if God himself resided in their voices.' President Murmu appreciated the institute's role in empowering the visually impaired. 'I am delighted to be among all of you in this institute dedicated to visually impaired persons. I deeply appreciate all those associated with this institution for their contribution to providing education and training, employment opportunities, and raising awareness in society,' she said. She said that a nation's progress can be judged by how it treats persons with disabilities, and added that India's civilizational values are rooted in compassion and inclusion. The President noted that the National Education Policy 2020 includes specific provisions for ensuring equal learning opportunities for differently-abled children. She also mentioned the Accessible India Campaign as a major step toward creating inclusive environments across public and government spaces. Highlighting initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she said, 'In the month of March this year, the Purple Fest was organised in Amrit Udyan to celebrate the talent, achievements, and aspirations of persons with disabilities.' Calling education a 'powerful medium of empowerment,' the President expressed satisfaction that NIEPVD's Adarsh Vidyalaya students excel in computers, science, music, and sports. Meanwhile, according to the President's Secretariat, the President will release a postage stamp at Raj Bhavan, Nainital, on the completion of its 125 years. On June 21, the President will participate in a mass yoga demonstration at the Uttarakhand State Police Line Maidan, Dehradun on the International Yoga Day. (ANI)
