Dehradun: In a significant step towards inclusive heritage, ecological awareness, and accessible civic engagement, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the inauguration of Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on June 20, 2025. The President also laid the foundation stone of Rashtrapati Udyan and dedicated public facilities including a Visitor Facilitation Centre, Cafeteria, Souvenir Shop, and an amphitheater, to the citizens of India.
🏞️ Presidential Retreats Open to the Public
Rashtrapati Tapovan, located on Rajpur Road, is spread over 19 acres in the Himalayan foothills and symbolizes a harmonious blend of spiritual retreat and ecological preservation. Once restricted, it will now welcome public visitors from June 24, 2025. The estate boasts:
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117 plant species
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52 species of butterflies
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41 bird species
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7 mammal species, including protected wildlife
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Natural bamboo groves and rich woodland ecosystems
Designed to promote nature-connectedness, Tapovan’s biodiversity offers a learning opportunity for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.
In parallel, Rashtrapati Niketan—a 21-acre Presidential retreat dating back to 1838—will be open for public visits from July 1, 2025. Originally a summer camp for the Governor General’s Bodyguard, Niketan now stands as a site of historical significance and ecological charm, complete with lily ponds, heritage architecture, orchards, and stables.
🌳 Rashtrapati Udyan: India’s First Net-Zero Accessible Park\
In a visionary move, the President laid the foundation stone of Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre public park set to be a model for accessibility and ecological responsibility. Once complete, Rashtrapati Udyan will:
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Be fully Divyangjan-accessible
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Operate as a Net-Zero emissions park
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Promote community wellness, cultural events, and civic pride
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Act as a hub for inclusive engagement in alignment with the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
The initiative exemplifies a future-forward approach to sustainable urban design and inclusive public spaces.
📖 Biodiversity Book Launch
To mark the occasion, the President also launched a comprehensive biodiversity compendium, cataloguing:
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Over 300 species of flora
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Around 170 species of fauna including butterflies, birds, and mammals
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Detailed entries from Rashtrapati Tapovan, Rashtrapati Niketan, and Rashtrapati Udyan
This publication not only enhances environmental awareness but also serves as a resource for academic and conservationist circles.
🎓 Championing Inclusive Education and Technology for Divyangjan
During her Dehradun visit, the President visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD). She:
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Interacted with students
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Visited the Model School Science Lab, Computer Lab, and Educational Exhibition
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Encouraged innovation and inclusivity in education
In her speech, she emphasized that the measure of societal progress lies in its treatment of persons with disabilities. Recalling India’s rich legacy of inclusivity and compassion, she lauded efforts under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which focuses on:
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Accessible infrastructure
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Barrier-free transport
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Inclusive communication systems
💡 Empowerment through Technology
Highlighting the current era as one dominated by science and technology, the President stressed that advanced tools must be harnessed to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream socio-economic fabric. She praised NIEPVD for its emphasis on:
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Inclusive education systems
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Latest assistive technologies
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All-round development of students with visual impairments
Calling upon society to encourage participation of Divyangjan in every sphere, she said their empowerment is essential for nation-building and equity.
🏛️ Conclusion
President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Dehradun reflects the government’s strong commitment to:
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Conserving heritage
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Fostering accessibility
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Empowering marginalized groups
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Promoting ecological stewardship
By opening historically significant Presidential estates and prioritizing inclusivity in public spaces and education, the government is setting a precedent for a more compassionate, accessible, and sustainable India.
These initiatives not only democratize heritage and nature but also align with India’s vision of inclusive development under ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan’s outreach marks a new era where governance meets grassroots, heritage meets harmony, and progress meets purpose.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
