New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a visit to Uttarakhand from June 19-21, inaugurated the Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun on Friday.

She also inaugurated public amenities, including the Visitor Facilitation Centre, the Cafeteria, and the Souvenir Shop, and laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan at Rashtrapati Niketan.

The President also inaugurated an amphitheatre at Rashtrapati Niketan on Thursday.

Rashtrapati Tapovan, situated on Rajpur Road in Dehradun, is a 19-acre Presidential Estate nestled in the Himalayan foothills, emphasising spiritual retreat and ecological preservation. A dense forest patch rich in native vegetation, Tapovan hosts 117 plant species, 52 butterflies, 41 bird species, and seven wild mammals, including some protected species. The area features natural bamboo groves and undisturbed woodland ecosystems.

Established in 1976 as a Presidential Retreat, Rashtrapati Niketan has a rich heritage tracing back to 1838 when the estate served as a summer camp for the Governor General’s Bodyguard. It spans 21 acres and includes Lily ponds, featuring historic buildings, orchards, and stables.

Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre public park, will be a model of accessibility and ecological responsibility — a Net-Zero public park, fully accessible to Divyangjan. It aims to become a community engagement hub to promote wellness, culture, and civic pride among citizens.

A book on the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Udyan was also released on the occasion. This book catalogues over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna, including butterflies, birds, and mammals of Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan and Udyan.

The Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan will be open for public viewing from June 24 and July 1, 2025, respectively.

The President visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun and interacted with the students. She also visited the Model School Science Lab and Computer Lab, as well as an exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the progress of a country or society can be judged by the way the people treat persons with disabilities in that society. “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,” she added.

She stated that through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which emphasises developing an accessible physical environment, transport, information, and communication ecosystem, the government is striving for empowerment and equal participation of the divyangjan.

The President said that today’s era is the era of science and technology. With the help of advanced technology, even people with disabilities can be able to contribute to the mainstream. She was happy to note that the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities is giving special emphasis on the all-around development of students through an inclusive education system and latest technological resources.

She said that efforts must be made by society to encourage disabled people in every sphere of life.

–IANS

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