President Murmu opens Rashtrapati Tapovan and Niketan to the public in Dehradun, promotes ecological preservation, and emphasizes inclusion for persons with disabilities during her visit to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the official opening of Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun, making these heritage-rich presidential estates accessible for public visits. The inauguration marks a significant step in promoting environmental sustainability, public engagement, and inclusiveness.
During her two-day visit, the President also inaugurated several public amenities, including a Visitor Facilitation Centre, Cafeteria, and a Souvenir Shop, enhancing the public experience at the presidential estates. She also laid the foundation stone of Rashtrapati Udyan, a futuristic 132-acre public park at Rashtrapati Niketan, designed as a Net-Zero and Divyangjan-friendly space. On June 19, she had inaugurated an amphitheater at Rashtrapati Niketan, aimed at fostering cultural activities and community gatherings.
A Legacy of Heritage and Ecology
Rashtrapati Tapovan, located on the scenic Rajpur Road, spreads across 19 acres of Himalayan foothills. Originally conceived as a spiritual and ecological retreat, Tapovan embodies India’s traditional values of nature preservation and harmony. The estate hosts a biodiverse forest patch, home to 117 plant species, 52 species of butterflies, 41 species of birds, and 7 species of wild mammals, some of which are under protection. The serene environment includes bamboo groves and untouched woodland ecosystems.
Rashtrapati Niketan, on the other hand, dates back to 1838, once serving as the summer camp for the Governor General’s Bodyguard. Later declared a Presidential Retreat in 1976, it spans 21 acres and features historic colonial-era buildings, lily ponds, fruit orchards, and horse stables. Together, these estates stand as a blend of natural richness, historical legacy, and modern ecological consciousness.
Rashtrapati Udyan – A Vision for Inclusive Public Engagement
The planned Rashtrapati Udyan is envisioned as a model public park that will uphold ecological responsibility while being fully accessible to Divyangjan. Designed to achieve Net-Zero emissions, the park will act as a public engagement hub that promotes wellness, environmental awareness, civic pride, and cultural activities.
To highlight the environmental significance of the estates, the President also released a comprehensive book on the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan, and Udyan. The publication catalogues over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna, including a wide range of butterflies, birds, and mammals.
Both Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan will open for public viewing from June 24 and July 1, 2025, respectively.
Inspiring Interaction with Students of Visual Disability Institute
As part of her visit to Dehradun, the President also visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), where she interacted with students, visited the Model School’s Science Lab, Computer Lab, and a student exhibition.
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In her speech, the President emphasized that the progress of any society is reflected in how it treats its persons with disabilities. She highlighted India’s deep-rooted culture of compassion, inclusiveness, and human dignity, citing the government’s initiatives such as the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which aims to build an accessible ecosystem across infrastructure, transport, and communication for divyangjan.
She praised the NIEPVD’s work in empowering visually impaired students through inclusive education and the use of advanced technologies, which enable them to contribute actively to mainstream society. She urged citizens and institutions to support and include persons with disabilities in all spheres of life, especially in science, technology, and education.
