President Droupadi Murmu celebrated Raksha Bandhan on Saturday by hosting students from schools across India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the festival that showcased the country’s cultural diversity and spirit of unity.
Students from government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), as well as children with special needs representing various states and union territories, participated in the celebration.
On the occasion, President Murmu said that Raksha Bandhan is not only a festival of love between brothers and sisters but also a universal bond that can be shared with anyone, including elders, peers, and even the environment. She drew attention to the role of trees as protectors of the earth, urging students to plant and nurture them as a gesture of love and responsibility toward nature.
“Raksha Bandhan symbolises love, care, and protection. These values extend beyond relationships between people to our duty towards the environment,” she said.
Minister of State for Education and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary attended the event, along with Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, and senior officials from the Ministry of Education.
The celebration featured colourful cultural performances, with students dressed in traditional attire showcasing the rich heritage of their respective regions. They also presented eco-friendly rakhis and handmade greeting cards to the President, promoting environmental awareness, creativity, and inclusivity.
The event offered students a rare opportunity to meet the President of India and deepen their understanding of the nation’s cultural and constitutional values, leaving them with cherished memories of Raksha Bandhan at the country’s highest constitutional office.