E-Audio Guide, E-Upahaar, Bachpan Bal Parisar and Green Transport Service ‘RAAHI’ Launched; President Says Rashtrapati Bhavan Must Remain a Living Symbol of India’s Traditions and Democratic Values

New Delhi : President of India Droupadi Murmu launched several important initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Rashtrapati Estate on the occasion of completing four years in office. After completing four years as the President of India on July 25, 2026, President Murmu inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects focused on public convenience, inclusivity, green mobility and heritage conservation.

The President said that her constant endeavour has been to ensure that Rashtrapati Bhavan continues to remain a living symbol of India’s rich cultural traditions, democratic values and national ideals. She highlighted that several steps have been taken in the past year to promote India’s civilisational ethos, including the unveiling of the statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, establishment of Param Veer Dirgha and Granth Kutir, Indianisation of the State Rooms and giving prominence to Indian art and traditions during state ceremonies.

Several New Facilities Introduced at Rashtrapati Bhavan

To enhance the experience of visitors, the Rashtrapati Bhavan E-Audio Guide was launched. The app-based facility will be available in Hindi, English and 14 other Indian languages. A sign language module has also been added to make the experience more accessible for persons with disabilities.

The third edition of E-Upahaar was also launched on the occasion. Under this initiative, 300 selected gifts received by the President will be placed for public auction. The auction will remain open from August 5 to September 5, 2026.

For children, ‘Bachpan Bal Parisar’ was inaugurated at the Rashtrapati Estate. The facility includes a play zone, ‘Kilkari’ and ‘Samarth Anganwadi-cum-Cradle’, providing a safe and supportive environment for the overall development of children.

‘RAAHI’ Electric Bus Service to Promote Green and Inclusive Mobility

The free electric bus service RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector) was launched at the Rashtrapati Estate. The initiative aims to promote eco-friendly, safe and inclusive transportation.

The service will be operated by women drivers and conductors. It will provide convenient connectivity for Rashtrapati Bhavan employees and residents of the Rashtrapati Estate within the campus and up to the nearest metro station. The initiative will especially benefit women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Apart from this, the foundation stone for the construction of a service block under the Net Zero Energy Strategy was laid. Residential facilities at Rashtrapati Niketan, Dehradun and Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad were also inaugurated. The foundation stone for redevelopment of staff quarters at the Rashtrapati Estate was also laid.

Publications on President’s Tenure Released

In another ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released several publications highlighting President Droupadi Murmu’s tenure and presented their first copies to the President.

The publications include:

• ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan: The House of the Nation’ — based on the first year of the President’s tenure
• ‘Seva Aur Samvedna’ (Service and Compassion) — highlighting the second year of her tenure
• ‘Samaveshi Sahbhagita’ (Inclusive Participation) — based on initiatives during the third year
• ‘Bharatiyata Ka Utsav’ (Celebration of Indianness) — showcasing the fourth year of her journey
• ‘Ama Rashtrapati – Ama Gaurav’ — an Odia compilation of articles written by eminent personalities

The President said that the titles of these books reflect India’s faith in inclusive democracy. She expressed confidence that these illustrated compilations would introduce readers to the traditions, functioning and diverse dimensions of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

‘I Considered the Position a Responsibility, Not Just an Honour’: President Murmu

Addressing the gathering, President Droupadi Murmu said that when she assumed the office of the President of India on July 25, 2022, it was a matter of responsibility beyond honour. She said that over the past four years, she has worked with the same spirit of duty and commitment.

She said that during her interactions with people, especially young citizens, she encourages them to remain connected with moral values and contribute to the progress of the nation and society. She also urges women to become self-reliant and move forward with confidence. While interacting with tribal communities, she appeals to them to preserve their cultural heritage while becoming active participants in the country’s development journey.

Vice President Highlights President Murmu’s Journey as Symbol of Democratic Strength

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said that during the past four years, President Droupadi Murmu has enhanced the dignity of the highest constitutional office through her humility, grace, experience and complete commitment to the Constitution.

He said that President Murmu’s journey from a remote tribal village in Odisha to the highest constitutional position of India is a testimony to the strength and inclusive nature of Indian democracy.

The Vice President highlighted several initiatives undertaken during her tenure, including opening Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Niketan and Rashtrapati Tapovan for the public, making Rashtrapati Bhavan more accessible for persons with disabilities and installing the statue of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari.

He also described the publication of the Constitution of India in the Santali language using the Ol Chiki script as a historic initiative that reflects respect for tribal communities and India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

The Vice President expressed confidence that the publications released on President Droupadi Murmu’s tenure would preserve and promote the core values of constitutionalism, service, compassion, inclusivity, cultural confidence and national unity.