Droupadi Murmu will undertake a two-day official visit to West Bengal, beginning tomorrow, during which she will participate in several cultural, academic and community events in the state. The visit will include programmes in Darjeeling and Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, highlighting heritage, education and leadership initiatives.
During the first day of her visit, President Murmu will launch the Darjeeling Hill Festival, an event organised to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the patriotic song Vande Mataram. The festival is expected to celebrate the region’s cultural traditions, music, and heritage while marking the historic significance of the song in India’s freedom movement.
The President will also inaugurate an exhibition titled “Root & Rhythms” at Lok Bhavan Darjeeling. The exhibition will showcase the cultural diversity and artistic heritage of the region, reflecting traditional practices, local communities and their historical roots.
In addition to the cultural programmes, President Murmu will virtually inaugurate the Platinum Jubilee Flagship Programme on Women’s Leadership and Empowerment at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. The initiative aims to promote leadership development, innovation and empowerment among women, particularly in the fields of education, science and technology.
On the second day of the visit, the President will attend the International Santal Conference, organised by the International Santal Council in Darjeeling. The conference, now in its ninth edition, focuses on issues related to the Santal community, including cultural preservation, social development and academic research.
The event is expected to bring together scholars, community leaders and participants from different regions to discuss the heritage, language and socio-economic progress of the Santal community.
President Murmu’s visit underscores the importance of celebrating India’s cultural diversity while also promoting educational initiatives and leadership opportunities for women and indigenous communities.
