The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee received books and reports related to Rashtrapati Bhavan today (July 24, 2017) at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the eve of demitting office as the 13th President of India.
Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Mukherjee said that he was overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude to the people of India for the trust and confidence they reposed in him. He was humbled by their kindness and affection. He stated that he had received much more from the country than he had given.
The President congratulated and extended a warm welcome to Ram Nath Kovind, the President-Elect and wished him success and happiness in the years to come.
President Pranab Mukherjee said that in Rashtrapati Bhavan, we tried to build a humane and happy township. He stated that in last five years he learnt from his travels across the length and breadth of the country. The President said that he learnt from his conversations with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, authors, artists and leaders from across the spectrum. These interactions kept him focused and inspired.
Canonization of Mother Teresa makes President Pranab Mukherjee happy
The books presented today to the President were (1) ‘The Innovation President’ by the Vice President of India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari and (2) ‘Selected Speeches of the President (Volume-IV) by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The reports presented were ‘Conserving and Upgrading of the President’s Estate – Select Projects: The Mukherjee Years 2012-2017’ by Dr. Thomas Mathew, Additional Secretary to the President; ‘Health Status and Age Assessment of the Trees of Rashtrapati Bhavan’ by Dr. Savita, Director, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun and ‘Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan Phase –II’ by Dr. AGK Menon and Ms. Swapna Liddle from INTACH.