New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said she encourages young people to remain rooted in ethical values and work for the progress of the nation and society whenever she interacts with them at Rashtrapati Bhavan or during her visits to different states.
She was speaking at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the release of the first set of five commemorative books marking four years of her presidency, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement.
At the event, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan released publications about Murmu’s presidency and presented their first copies to the president in the presence of L Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, and other dignitaries.
The president said when she assumed the top Constitutional office on July 25, 2022, it was a matter of responsibility for her, even more than an honour. Murmu said over the past four years, she has discharged her duties with this very sense of obligation.
She said whenever she meets people, especially youngsters, at Rashtrapati Bhavan or during her visits to different states, she encourages them to remain rooted in ethical values and to work towards the progress of the nation and society, according to a statement issued by her office.
“When interacting with members of tribal communities, she requests them to preserve their cultural heritage while also joining the mainstream of development. Whenever she travels abroad, she meets the Indian community in those countries and encourages them to contribute to India’s journey of development,” it said.
The publications released are Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan (President Droupadi Murmu’s first year of Presidency); Seva Aur Samvedana (President Droupadi Murmu’s second year of Presidency); Samaveshi Sahbhaghita (President Droupadi Murmu’s third year of Presidency); Bharatiyata Ka Utsav (President Droupadi Murmu’s fourth year of Presidency).
An Odia book, Ama Rastrapati Ama Gourav, a collection of articles on the president, was also released on the occasion.
Referring to the books, Murmu said their titles reflect faith in inclusive democracy and expressed confidence that they would introduce readers to the traditions, functioning and multiple facets of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The president said their true significance lies in their ability to inspire fellow citizens to move forward on the path of progress while taking pride in their heritage.
In his remarks, the vice president said during the past four years, President Murmu has enriched the high office with grace, humility, wisdom and commitment to the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
Her remarkable life journey is extraordinary and deeply inspiring, he added.
“Her rise from the modest surroundings of a remote tribal village in Odisha to the highest constitutional office of our great nation is a testimony to the strength and inclusiveness of Indian democracy,” Radhakrishnan said.
Highlighting key initiatives during Murmu’s presidency, the vice president referred to Amrit Udyan, the opening of Rashtrapati Niketan and Rashtrapati Tapovan to the public, a more Divyangjan-friendly Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the installation of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at the President House.
He said these initiatives reflected the vision of bringing the presidency closer to the people while shedding the colonial mindset.
Earlier in the day, the president inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various important initiatives undertaken in Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President’s Estate.
These include the launch of the third edition of e-Upahaar, featuring 300 curated presidential gifts for public auction. The auction will be open from August 5 to September 5 at upahaar.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in She also launched an e-audio guide for visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan to enhance their experience. The application-based e-audio guide will be available in Hindi, English and 14 other Indian languages, while its sign language module will also be available for visitors.
Murmu also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a service block as part of the Net Zero Energy Strategy, virtually inaugurated accommodation facilities at Rashtrapati Niketan, Dehradun and Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad. She laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of staff quarters in the President’s Estate as well.
Speaking at the launch of the initiatives, Murmu said it was her constant endeavour to ensure that Rashtrapati Bhavan stands as a vibrant symbol of India’s rich traditions, democratic values, and national ideals.
In the last one year, various steps were taken to promote India’s civilisational ethos, which include unveiling of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Ji, inauguration of Param Vir Dirgha and Granth Kutir, Indianisation of State Rooms and highlighting the Indian art and traditions in State receptions, the statement said. PTI SBR AKV RHL
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