The capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to warmly welcome President Droupadi Murmu on her two-day official visit starting from Thursday. This marks President Droupadi Murmu’s maiden visit to State since assuming office, and elaborate security measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth and secure visit. President Murmu will depart from Delhi on Thursday morning via an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane at 9:15 am and will arrive at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur at 11:05 am. A guard of honour will be presented to President Murmu upon her arrival at the airport.

 

The President will be welcomed at the airport by Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Director General of Police Ashok Juneja, as well as cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and senior officials. Directly from the airport, President Murmu will make her way to the Jagannath Mandir in Gayatri Nagar Raipur, where she will perform a traditional pooja-archana. Following this, she is scheduled to partake in the state-level launch event titled ‘The Year of Positive Change’ organised by Prajapita Brahma Kumari at Shanti Sarovar on Vidhan Sabha Road in Raipur. The event, taking place from approximately 11:50 am to 12:50 pm, is expected to be a significant highlight of her itinerary. Later in the day, around 4:20 pm to 4:25 pm, President Murmu is slated to visit the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum in Raipur, that holds cultural and historical importance. A notable event on the agenda is the symbolic planting of a Parijat sapling by the President at Raj Bhavan, accompanied by Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan planting a white champa plant -- a gesture that symbolises growth and harmony.

 

The President’s day will culminate in a banquet hosted by Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan at Raj Bhavan, scheduled for 7:30 pm. The banquet, graced by the presence of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, cabinet ministers, senior officials, MPs, and other dignitaries, is expected to provide a platform for meaningful interactions. As the day draws to a close, President Murmu will take a night halt at Raj Bhavan Raipur. On Friday, the President is set to depart for Bilaspur via an IAF chopper. The day’s highlight is the 10th convocation ceremony of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya Bilaspur, scheduled from 11:45 am to 12:30 pm. A significant number of students -- 2,897 in total -- will be receiving their degrees, including 84 gold medals and 28 Ph.D. degrees. Following the convocation, President Murmu will return to Raipur by chopper and is expected to reach Raj Bhavan around 1:55 pm. This period will witness her engaging with the people of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and engagement with all sections of society. President Murmu will depart Raipur for New Delhi at 6:05 pm on Friday.