President Murmu Opens Rashtrapati Estates in Dehradun, Champions Inclusion

In a momentous celebration of ecological heritage, inclusive governance, and public accessibility, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun, along with a slew of public amenities and cultural facilities. The President also laid the foundation stone of Rashtrapati Udyan, a first-of-its-kind Net-Zero, fully accessible public park that will act as a model of green infrastructure and community wellness.

Over two days, the President unveiled a range of projects designed to open the Presidential Estates to the public, deepen the understanding of India's biodiversity, and promote civic inclusivity. Her engagements also included an inspiring visit to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), where she interacted with visually impaired students and explored inclusive educational innovations.

Rashtrapati Tapovan: A Retreat of Serenity and Ecology

Located on Rajpur Road, Rashtrapati Tapovan is a 19-acre Presidential Estate that integrates spiritual retreat with ecological stewardship. With dense native forests, natural bamboo groves, and undisturbed woodlands, the estate supports:

• 117 plant species

• 52 butterfly species

• 41 species of birds

• 7 wild mammals, including protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act

The site reflects India’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and nature-based community spaces. Designed as a place for quiet reflection and ecological education, Tapovan will welcome the public from June 24, 2025, offering a rare glimpse into India’s Presidential green legacy.

Rashtrapati Niketan: Legacy of History and Public Engagement

Rashtrapati Niketan, a 21-acre heritage estate, was originally established in 1838 as a summer camp for the Governor General’s Bodyguard. In 1976, it became a Presidential Retreat, known for its colonial-era architecture, orchards, lily ponds, and stable houses.

The President inaugurated an amphitheater here on June 19, set to become a hub for cultural events, lectures, and performances. Rashtrapati Niketan will open to the public starting July 1, 2025.

Rashtrapati Udyan: A National Model for Inclusive Urban Parks

A standout announcement was the laying of the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre park designed to become:

• A Net-Zero energy site

• Fully accessible to Divyangjan (persons with disabilities)

• A center for civic engagement, cultural exchange, and wellness activities

This initiative reinforces the vision of a New India that is sustainable, inclusive, and people-centric. The park will host nature trails, exhibition spaces, and interactive learning zones, tailored to accommodate individuals from all walks of life.

Enhancing Visitor Experience: Public Amenities Unveiled

President Murmu also inaugurated:

• A Visitor Facilitation Centre

• A Cafeteria catering to local cuisines and sustainable produce

• A Souvenir Shop showcasing handicrafts, cultural artifacts, and ecological products

These amenities aim to enrich the visitor experience while promoting eco-tourism, local artisans, and community livelihoods.

A special biodiversity book was also launched, cataloguing over 300 flora species and 170 fauna species—including birds, butterflies, and mammals—across the three Presidential estates. The volume stands as a testament to India’s ecological diversity and heritage stewardship.

President’s Visit to NIEPVD: Affirming Rights and Access for All

In a heartwarming interaction, President Murmu visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), where she:

• Interacted with students and educators

• Visited the Model School Science Lab and Computer Lab

• Viewed a technology and inclusion exhibition

Addressing the gathering, she emphasized that the true progress of a nation is reflected in its treatment of persons with disabilities.

“India’s civilizational ethos has always embraced compassion and inclusivity. Through programmes like Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, we are building an accessible environment in infrastructure, communication, and services,” she said.

She praised the institute’s work in promoting inclusive education, assistive technology, and self-reliance among visually impaired youth. She also urged the broader society to actively support and encourage disabled persons in all spheres of life.

Yoga, Technology, and Empowerment

The President underlined that we live in the era of science and technology, where tools like AI, text-to-speech software, and digital education platforms can dramatically enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.

“With the help of technology, even people with disabilities can be active contributors to nation-building. We must ensure they are given the opportunities and recognition they deserve,” she asserted.

A Vision for Democratic Public Spaces

With the inauguration of Rashtrapati Tapovan, Niketan, and the foundation of Rashtrapati Udyan, India takes a bold step in redefining presidential estates as democratic, accessible public spaces. These developments blend the past with the future—preserving history while embracing sustainability, inclusion, and public participation.

As the Rashtrapati Estates open to the public, they promise not just picturesque retreats, but a deeper message of national unity, ecological responsibility, and human dignity.