KKN Gurugram Desk | The last two days have been momentous for Uttarakhand as President Droupadi Murmu marked her historic visit to Dehradun, laying the foundation of transformative projects and inaugurating heritage-rich institutions that blend nature, history, and inclusivity.

On June 20, 2025, the President inaugurated the Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan—two major additions to the President’s Estate in the foothills of the Himalayas. These projects, deeply rooted in ecological values and India’s rich heritage, are now poised to become centers of learning, spiritual reflection, and cultural integration.

Rashtrapati Tapovan: A Natural Retreat in the Himalayan Foothills

Located on Rajpur Road in Dehradun, Rashtrapati Tapovan spans over 19 acres and serves as an official Presidential residence with a difference. Nestled at the base of the Himalayas, this serene space is dedicated to spiritual tranquility, biodiversity, and ecological preservation.

The estate boasts:

• 117 species of plants

• 52 types of butterflies

• 41 bird species

• 7 varieties of wild mammals

The design of Tapovan ensures that natural bamboo forests and sensitive ecological zones are preserved, creating an immersive, undisturbed ecosystem. President Murmu’s inauguration marks a key moment in India’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and green development through government infrastructure.

 Rashtrapati Niketan: A Heritage Site with Deep Historical Roots

Spread across 21 acres, Rashtrapati Niketan has a rich legacy dating back to 1838, when it served as a summer retreat for the Governor General’s Bodyguard. It was officially designated as a Presidential retreat in 1976.

The estate includes:

• Historical buildings

• The scenic Lily Pond

• Expansive gardens

• Old British-era stables

This blend of colonial-era architecture and natural beauty makes Rashtrapati Niketan a symbol of India’s institutional continuity and its evolving commitment to inclusive public spaces.

During her visit, the President also inaugurated the Amphitheatre at Rashtrapati Niketan (on June 19, 2025), a space expected to host cultural and educational events for students and visitors.

 Rashtrapati Udyan: India’s First Net-Zero Presidential Public Park

Perhaps the most ambitious part of President Murmu’s visit was the foundation stone ceremony for the Rashtrapati Udyan, a public park to be developed over 132 acres within the Presidential Estate.

Designed on a Net-Zero Carbon Emission model, this park aims to become:

• A green community hub for citizens

• A model for accessible and inclusive infrastructure

• A space for promoting health, environmental education, and cultural awareness

The park will be fully accessible for divyangjan (specially-abled individuals) and will include pathways, sensory gardens, rest areas, and eco-education zones to foster environmental consciousness and social inclusivity.

This visionary project makes Rashtrapati Udyan one of India’s first large-scale, carbon-neutral public spaces under direct presidential initiative.

 Book Release: Documenting Dehradun’s Presidential Biodiversity

To mark the occasion, President Murmu also unveiled a comprehensive biodiversity book detailing the flora and fauna of:

• Rashtrapati Niketan

• Rashtrapati Tapovan

• Rashtrapati Udyan

The publication documents:

• 300+ plant species

• 170+ animal species, including birds, butterflies, and mammals

The book aims to support scientific research, academic exploration, and environmental awareness, making the presidential estate not just a ceremonial space but also a knowledge hub for researchers and students.

Both Rashtrapati Tapovan and Niketan will be open to the public from:

• June 24, 2025 (Tapovan)

• July 1, 2025 (Niketan)

These spaces are expected to attract students, researchers, and nature lovers across India.

 President Murmu’s Emotional Visit to NIEPVD

During her Uttarakhand tour, President Murmu also visited the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD). She interacted warmly with students, inspected the model school’s science and computer labs, and appreciated the technological innovations displayed in the exhibition.

Moved by her interaction with the specially-abled children, the President appeared visibly emotional and expressed her admiration for their resilience and talent.

 “Measure Progress by How You Treat the Vulnerable”: President Murmu

In her address at NIEPVD, the President made a powerful statement:

“The true progress of any society should be judged by how it treats its differently-abled citizens.”

She emphasized that Indian culture has always valued empathy and inclusion, and reiterated the importance of the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)—a government initiative focused on creating an equitable environment for persons with disabilities.

The President’s statement underlined the government’s commitment to:

• Accessible public infrastructure

• Equal opportunities in education and employment

• Empowering the differently-abled through technology and training

 A New Chapter for Dehradun and the Nation

President Murmu’s two-day visit has left a lasting legacy for Dehradun and the state of Uttarakhand. By opening up presidential estates for public access, promoting ecological balance, and emphasizing social inclusion, she has redefined the role of the Rashtrapati Bhavan as not just a seat of power, but a platform for social transformation.

 Rashtrapati Tapovan & Niketan: Tourist and Research Hotspots

As both Tapovan and Niketan open to the public, they are expected to become major eco-tourism and research centers, particularly for:

• Environmental science scholars

• Botanists and zoologists

• School and college students

• Nature photography enthusiasts

Combined with their historical significance, these destinations offer a unique blend of learning, leisure, and legacy, setting an example for sustainable heritage management in India.

The inauguration ceremony included:

• Ribbon-cutting of visitor amenities like the facilitation center, cafeteria, and souvenir shop

• A public walkthrough of restored heritage buildings and gardens

• Presentations on the upcoming Net-Zero park architecture and layout

President Murmu’s active involvement in such initiatives reflects a new, people-centric approach to presidential duties—one that blends tradition with transformation.