President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit West Bengal on Friday afternoon for a two-day itinerary in the northern part of the state. This marks her first visit to West Bengal since assuming the role of Indian President. Security measures have been heightened across North Bengal in anticipation of her visit.
The President is scheduled to land at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri town in Darjeeling district in the afternoon. Following her arrival, she will proceed directly to the Governor’s House, now named Lok Bhavan, to inaugurate the Darjeeling Hill Festival. This festival aims to showcase the rich art, culture, and heritage of the hills and North Bengal.
A key feature of the festival, organized by Lok Bhavan in collaboration with prominent cultural institutions, will be an exhibition titled “Roots and Rhythm,” displaying significant artifacts from the renowned Indian Museum. Former Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, before resigning, shared details about the event on Lok Bhavan’s official social media platform, emphasizing the historical significance of the festival in Darjeeling.
President Murmu will spend Friday night at Lok Bhavan and then head to Gossaipur in the same district on Saturday to attend the 9th International Santal Conference hosted by the International Santal Council. Originally planned for Bidhannagar, the conference was relocated to Gossaipur due to security concerns. The President will virtually inaugurate the Bidhannagar event from there, including a virtual tree plantation festival.
The International Santal Council’s annual conference focuses on strategies for preserving the Santal communities, encompassing the conservation of their culture, language, and economic progress. Notably, the previous conference took place in Assam, and this year’s event will see the participation of numerous experts from India and abroad.
