Travel

Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan to Open for Public from February 3


The Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of India’s most iconic and meticulously maintained gardens, will open for public viewing from February 3 to March 31, offering visitors a chance to experience its seasonal floral splendour.

The garden will be open six days a week, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the last entry permitted at 5:15 pm. Visitors should note that the garden will remain closed on Mondays for regular maintenance. Additionally, Amrit Udyan will be closed on March 4 on account of Holi.

Entry to the garden is free of cost, making it accessible to all citizens and tourists alike. Visitors can explore a wide variety of landscaped lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and artistic horticultural designs that reflect India’s botanical diversity and heritage.

Formerly known as the Mughal Gardens, Amrit Udyan is a major attraction during the spring season and draws thousands of visitors every year. The opening period allows people to witness the gardens at their peak bloom while enjoying a serene experience within the Presidential Estate.

Visitors are advised to plan their visit in advance and adhere to entry guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

National

Tribal Minister Invites President Droupadi Murmu to Silver Jubilee Canacona Lokotsav 2025


In a noteworthy cultural development, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Tribal Minister of Goa, recently called on the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Accompanied by Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, the minister extended a formal invitation to the President to attend the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Canacona Lokotsav.

The 25th Canacona Lokotsav is scheduled to take place from 19th to 21st December 2025 at Adarsh Gram, Amona, in the Canacona taluka of South Goa. Over the years, Canacona Lokotsav has grown into one of Goa’s most prominent platforms to celebrate and showcase traditional Goan arts, crafts, music, folklore, and tribal culture.

The Silver Jubilee edition promises to be a grand celebration, bringing together performers, artisans, and cultural groups from across the state and beyond. The invitation to the President is a symbolic and significant gesture aimed at highlighting the cultural richness of Goa on a national platform. It also reflects the growing recognition of local festivals in preserving and promoting indigenous traditions and community spirit.

If accepted, President Droupadi Murmu’s presence at the Lokotsav would mark a historic moment, as she herself represents a strong connect to tribal heritage and grassroots governance in India. The event is expected to attract dignitaries, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and citizens in large numbers.

The Tribal Ministry’s outreach reflects Goa’s continued efforts to promote inclusive and culturally rooted tourism while strengthening local identity through events like the Canacona Lokotsav.

Sports

President Droupadi Murmu Honours North East United FC with Durand Cup Victory Award


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

In a proud and historic moment for Indian football, the North East United Football Club (NEUFC) was honoured with the President’s Cup by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in recognition of their victory in the 2025 Durand Cup Tournament.

The prestigious ceremony saw Bollywood actor John Abraham, owner of the football club, receiving the award alongside the team’s captain Redeem Tlang. The occasion was also graced by top-ranking officials including the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, members of the Durand Football Tournament Society, and the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

Held in the heart of India, this award ceremony marked a significant milestone for the team and its management. John Abraham, known for his passion for football and commitment to the sport, expressed heartfelt joy as he accepted the award from the Hon’ble President, symbolising a moment of national recognition for North East Indian football talent and its growing prominence.

The Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments in the world, holds a deep-rooted legacy tied to the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting their historical role in promoting sports and fostering unity. The recognition of NEUFC’s victory is not just a celebration of their achievement but also a tribute to the club’s journey, resilience, and commitment to excellence in Indian football.

As football continues to grow in popularity across the country, this moment will be remembered as a landmark achievement for NEUFC and a proud chapter in India’s sporting history. The honour further reinforces the power of sport in uniting diverse communities and inspiring future generations.

EduConnect

PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Students Celebrate Raksha Bandhan at Rashtrapati Bhavan


In a remarkable celebration of culture and unity, four students from PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla — Daksh Velip, Priyanshu Velip, Ranjisha Gaonkar, and Ridhi Velip — accompanied by National Awardee Headmistress Maria Murena Miranda, visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi to celebrate Raksha Bandhan.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of special handmade cards and rakhis to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. The President graciously accepted the gifts and expressed her admiration for the students’ colourful Goan costumes, which added a vibrant cultural touch to the occasion.

This unique opportunity allowed the students from the tribal village of Morpirla to immerse themselves in the traditions and grandeur of the nation’s highest office. They also had the chance to visit Amrit Udyan, where they enjoyed the lush greenery and diverse flora, adding to the memorable experience.

Headmistress Miranda, who attended the At Home Reception hosted by the President on Independence Day last year, shared her joy:

“It is a golden opportunity to see our students experience the cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan at Rashtrapati Bhavan.”

The President also encouraged the students to plant trees and nurture them, promoting environmental responsibility.

The students expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, the Ministry of Education, the Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Director of Education Sir Shailesh Zingde, and the State Project Director of Goa Samagra Shiksha Dr. S.S. Ghadi, for making this visit possible.

This visit will forever remain a treasured memory for the students, symbolising the bond between tradition, education, and national pride. The students will cherish this moment always.

Human Interest

Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju to Take Oath as Goa’s New Governor on July 26


PANAJI, JULY 16: Goa is set to welcome a new constitutional head as Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, veteran politician and senior leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be sworn in as Governor of Goa on July 26 at Raj Bhavan, Panaji.

The official announcement came from Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu approving Raju’s appointment. He will replace PS Sreedharan Pillai, who has served as Goa’s Governor since July 2021.

A respected figure in Indian politics, Raju brings with him a legacy of administrative acumen and public service. A member of the royal family of Vizianagaram, Raju has held several ministerial portfolios in Andhra Pradesh, including finance, excise, revenue, and legislative affairs. At the national level, he served as Union Civil Aviation Minister from May 2014 to March 2018 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first term. His resignation came after the TDP exited the NDA in protest over the Centre’s stance on Andhra Pradesh’s special status.

His swearing-in represents a political milestone — the first time an NDA ally has been appointed to a gubernatorial post during the current regime, symbolizing both political outreach and trust in experienced allies.

Outgoing Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai, a two-time Kerala BJP president and practising lawyer, had previously served as Governor of Mizoram before taking charge in Goa.

The ceremony on July 26 is expected to be attended by high-ranking officials, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country.