President calls for 'constructive contribution'

President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday gave a call to the people to “dedicate” themselves to the cause of the nation through “constructive contribution”.

The president’s message was conveyed to the citizens by his press secretary Venu Rajamony during a live question and answer session held on Mukherjee’s official Facebook page on the eve of his completing fourth year in office as the Head of the State.

“The president believes the central government programmes like Digital India, Swachh Bharat and Skill India are transformative in nature and their successful implementation will alter the landscape of the country. Citizens of India should dedicate themselves to the cause of the nation and society through constructive contribution to these programmes in every possible manner,” Rajamony stated while replying to one of the questions of the citizens on the social networking site.

While the President’s office is set to hold several events on the premises of Rashtrapati Bhavan to mark Mukherjee’s fourth year in office on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a state-of-the-art three-floor museum, which the official describe as first of its kind in India as two of its floors are underground.

On the occasion, the president will flag off a hop-on, hop-off bus for tourists visiting the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The museum, built in over one lakh square feet area at the initiative of Mukherjee, will showcase history of the 88-year-old Rashtrapati Bhavan and lives of Presidents of India.

Open from Oct 2
The construction, which will be open for public from October 2, has cost Rs 80 crore, secretary to the president Omita Paul told reporters addressing a press conference.

“Tomorrow (Monday) we will be having a soft launch. We will give the tour operators a signal to start booking for it. For normal public, the museum will open from October 2. It will be open six days a week. We have put the initial ticket price to be Rs 50 and gate number 30 will be designated for the entry,” she added.