President to complete two years in office on Friday

"A number of activities are being organized to mark this special occasion, the highlight of which is the dedication to the Nation of the new Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum (Phase I)," the  President's Secretariat said in a statement on Tuesday.

This Museum is being established in the erstwhile stable of the Rashtrapati Bhavan which housed horses and ceremonial coaches.

It is a story telling Museum which will narrate the story of the Rashtrapati Bhavan using sound-light-video animations, laser and holographic projections, augmented reality etc. It has a simulated battlefield with arms mounted on warriors, examples of furniture designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the Viceroy’s residence, ceremonial coaches, photographs and memorabilia of the President’s Body Guard, paintings of the 19th Century, sketches and gifts received by successive Presidents from national and foreign dignitaries etc.

The President will dedicate the Museum to the Nation at a ceremony presided over by the Prime Minister and attended by Ministers and senior officers of the government on July 25.

Other activities spread over July 24 and 25, 2014 include:

(i) Inauguration of Sixteen Serviced Apartments which will enable an expansion of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s In-Residence programme for innovators, artists and writers.

(ii) Release of three books (a) ‘Thoughts and Reflections’-a compilation of Quotes of the President (b) ‘Winged Wonders of Rashtrapati Bhavan’ on the birds of the President’s Estate and (c) ‘Indradhanush’ on the cultural events organized in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

(iii) Inauguration of a Bank and Post Office in their new locations.

(iv) Inauguration of a Fitness Centre for the Staff Recreation Club.

(v) Inauguration of a Knowledge Hub and other facilities in the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya Vidyalaya within Rashtrapati Bhavan.

(vi) Launch of a new design for the President of India website and a video film on the important events of the second year of the Presidency.

(vii) A cultural programme for select invitees.

"The President will also host a banquet for the Prime Minister, Council of Ministers and senior officials on July 25, 2014," read the statement.