President Droupadi Murmu launched citizen-centric and sustainability initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan, enhancing accessibility and reflecting India's cultural ethos.
New Delhi, India Jul 28, 2026 ALN: President Droupadi Murmu's recent unveiling of a series of initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan marks a significant milestone in her four-year tenure as the President of India. The initiatives are designed to enhance accessibility, promote sustainability, and celebrate India's rich cultural heritage. This reflects her vision of making the presidential estate not only a symbol of the nation’s democratic values but also a living space that resonates with the diverse ethos of India.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is not just an architectural marvel but also a historical site that has witnessed the evolution of Indian democracy. Since its inception, it has served as a backdrop for numerous significant events in the country's history. The estate is often seen as a representation of the Indian Republic's values, and under President Murmu’s leadership, there is a concerted effort to ensure that it remains relevant to contemporary society.
One of the most notable initiatives announced by President Murmu is the introduction of an application-based e-Audio Guide for visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan. This innovative approach aims to enhance the experience of visitors by providing them with information about the estate's history, architecture, and significance in multiple languages, including Hindi and 14 regional languages. The inclusion of a dedicated sign language module is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the administration's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that persons with disabilities can fully engage with the heritage site.
The e-Upahaar initiative, an online auction featuring 300 curated Presidential gifts, is another significant step towards transparency and public engagement. Scheduled to take place from August 5 to September 5, 2026, this auction is expected to draw interest from collectors and citizens alike, allowing them to own a piece of presidential history while contributing to the estate’s upkeep and future projects.
Furthermore, President Murmu inaugurated the Bachpan ‘Bal Parisar’, which consists of ‘Kilkari’, a dedicated play zone for children, and ‘Samarth Anganwadi-cum-Palna’. This initiative aims to provide a nurturing environment for children's growth and development, reflecting the government's commitment to child welfare and education. Such facilities are essential in fostering early childhood development, which is crucial for the overall socio-economic progress of the nation.
In a notable advancement towards sustainable transport, President Murmu flagged off RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access And Heritage Interconnector), an electric bus service operated entirely by women. This initiative not only promotes green mobility but also empowers women by providing them with employment opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated sector. The service aims to provide safe and convenient transportation for staff and residents of the estate, particularly benefiting women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. It connects the estate to the nearest Metro station, thus integrating the presidential estate more closely with the urban transport network.
As part of the broader strategy for environmental sustainability, the President laid the foundation stone for a new service block that aligns with Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Net Zero Energy Strategy. This strategy underlines the estate’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The inauguration of new accommodation facilities at Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun and Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad, along with the redevelopment of staff quarters, further demonstrates a commitment to improving living conditions for those who serve within the estate.
During her address, President Murmu emphasized the importance of Rashtrapati Bhavan as a vibrant symbol of India’s rich traditions and democratic values. She highlighted various initiatives undertaken over the past year to promote India’s civilizational heritage, which included the installation of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, a prominent leader and the first Governor-General of independent India. The inauguration of Param Vir Dirgha, a memorial dedicated to the nation’s war heroes, and Granth Kutir, a space dedicated to literature and culture, further exemplifies her commitment to celebrating India’s heritage.
Later in the ceremony, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released five publications documenting different phases of President Murmu’s tenure, each reflecting the core values of her presidency. These publications serve not only as a record of her initiatives but also as a source of inspiration for future leaders and citizens. The titles of the publications, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan and Seva Aur Samvedana, emphasize the themes of service, compassion, inclusivity, and cultural pride that have defined her presidency.
In her reflective remarks, President Murmu stated that her journey since assuming office on July 25, 2022, has been characterized by a deep sense of obligation. She has actively encouraged young people to uphold ethical values, inspired women to become self-reliant, and motivated tribal communities to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing development. Her outreach to the Indian diaspora has also been significant, urging them to engage in the nation’s developmental journey.
Vice President Radhakrishnan praised President Murmu’s tenure as one marked by grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution. He described her journey from a remote tribal village in Odisha to the highest constitutional office as a testament to the strength and inclusiveness of Indian democracy. The Vice President highlighted key achievements, including the opening of Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Niketan, and Rashtrapati Tapovan to the public, which have made these spaces more accessible to citizens and have helped to break down colonial-era traditions.
Additionally, the release of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language in the Ol Chiki script was hailed as a landmark initiative. This move not only strengthens the pride of the tribal community but also reaffirms India’s commitment to preserving its linguistic and cultural diversity, which is essential for fostering national unity.
As President Murmu continues her tenure, the initiatives launched at Rashtrapati Bhavan serve as a blueprint for future engagement between the presidency and the public. They illustrate a progressive approach to governance that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural appreciation, setting a precedent for how public institutions can evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic society. The implications of these initiatives extend beyond the immediate benefits to the residents of Rashtrapati Bhavan; they signify a broader commitment to democratizing access to cultural heritage and fostering a sense of collective ownership among citizens.
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