NEW DELHI, Dec 13: President Pranab Mukherjee has said his endeavour is to make Rashtrapati Bhavan a culturally vibrant, dynamic and living hub reflecting an aspirational and ‘on the move’ India–an India which is also deeply rooted in its culture and civilisational values. “India, being one of the oldest and culturally rich civilisations of the world, claims a cultural legacy which is as deep as it is timeless…,” the President said after inaugurating a new ceremonial Hall in Rashtrapati Bhawan yesterday for hosting important events. He said successive Presidents, starting with Babu Rajendra Prasad, had tried to keep this legacy alive by providing the Rashtrapati Bhavan as a platform for the performing arts and their practitioners.
The function was attended by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Mr Mukherjee said, “The present Ceremonial Hall will take this initiative of revitalisation of our culture forward by providing the necessary space and opportunity for our established, as also young artists, to display their performances and works of art.”
“The construction of the hall will give us the much needed flexibility to continue with our functions even in times of inclement weather,” the President said and expressed confidence that the Ceremonial Hall shall prove to be an important value addition to the mosaic of buildings that comprise the President’s Estate.
The hall will form part of an integrated Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural centre with an Art Gallery, multi-purpose halls and auditorium.
Built as an extension of the existing auditorium, the 55m x 41m hall has been built keeping in mind the requirements of August 15 ‘At Home’ Receptions and ‘Guards of Honour’ for visiting foreign dignitaries during inclement weather. Also present on the occasion were many senior Ministers and Governors. The inauguration of the ceremonial hall was followed by a vocal recital performance by Pt Rajan- Sajan Mishra. (UNI)
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