President Pranab Mukherjee poses with a bat during the inauguration of new cricket grounds at the Presidential Estate to mark his one year in office.
New Delhi: As he completed one year in office, President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday said efforts should be made to increase the accessibility of the common man to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“The common citizens of our country always have the desire and curiosity to know more about the highest constitutional office in the land,” he said.
Mukherjee said he was happy to note that a substantial portion of Rashtrapati Bhavan had been opened for public viewing by giving reasonable access to visitors who want to explore its rich history and architectural heritage.
To mark his first year in office, Mukherjee inaugurated a public library for residents of the President’s Estate. He distributed the first library membership cards to select families of the estate. He also distributed specially designed bookmarks.
Mukherjee also opened the Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya Vidyalaya within the President’s Estate and planted a sapling.
The president was happy to note that a dilapidated building in the President’s Estate that was scheduled for demolition had been renovated and converted into a library with a collection of books, newspapers and magazines, and reading rooms.
He also met members of five cricket teams at the venue and knocked a ball with a bat.
A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan was also unveiled by him. The sculptor of the statue, Ram Sutar of Maharashtra, whose many works dot the capital, was present.
Mukherjee also launched a series of digital initiatives to mark his first anniversary in office.
IANS
