JUNE 20: On June 20, 2025, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun, opening them for public visits. Along with this, she inaugurated several public facilities including a Visitor Facilitation Centre, a Cafeteria, and a Souvenir Shop. She also laid the foundation stone for the Rashtrapati Udyan and inaugurated a newly built amphitheater at Rashtrapati Niketan a day earlier on June 19.
Rashtrapati Tapovan is located on Rajpur Road and spans 19 acres of rich forested area in the Himalayan foothills. Designed as a peaceful Presidential retreat, it focuses on ecological conservation and spiritual tranquility. It is home to 117 native plant species, 52 species of butterflies, 41 species of birds, and 7 species of wild mammals, including protected animals.
Rashtrapati Niketan, formerly a summer camp for the Governor General’s Bodyguard dating back to 1838, now covers 21 acres of heritage estate. It features lush orchards, lily ponds, historic buildings, and stables.
Rashtrapati Udyan, spread across 132 acres, aims to be a fully accessible and eco-friendly public park. It will serve as a community space that promotes well-being, inclusivity, and ecological responsibility. It is envisioned as a net-zero facility, especially designed to welcome and empower Divyangjan.
A biodiversity compendium cataloguing over 300 flora species and 170 fauna species, including birds and butterflies of the three sites, was also released during the event.
President Murmu later visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun, where she interacted with students, visited the science and computer labs, and saw an exhibition showcasing student innovations.
Speaking on the occasion, she emphasized that the true progress of any nation is measured by its treatment of persons with disabilities. She applauded the efforts made under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan and encouraged the use of advanced technology to support the inclusive development of Divyangjan. She praised the institute for its focus on holistic education and technological empowerment and called on society to foster full participation and dignity for all individuals with disabilities.
