Would like to see Rashtrapati Bhavan spreading sense of pride amongst citizens: Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday that he would like to see Rashtrapati Bhavan spreading a sense of pride amongst citizens of the country.

Speaking after launching a series of digital initiatives to mark the first anniversary of his assumption of office, Mukherjee said: "The common citizens of our country always have the desire and curiosity to know more about the highest constitutional office in the land. Even though Rashtrapati Bhavan serves as the office of the President of India, every effort should be made to increase accessibility of this building to the public."

Expressing his happiness over opening a substantial portion of Rashtrapati Bhavan for public viewing, he said that by giving reasonable access to visitors, the building's rich history and architectural heritage, and thereby the history of the nation, would be there for all to see.

"This would serve, in a good measure, to educate the young generation and inculcate in them a sense of pride and nationalism, " he said.

As part of digital initiatives, historical speeches, documentaries and newsreels procured from AIR and Films Division have been added to the new look Rashtrapati Bhavan Website-www.presidentofindia.nic.in

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They include:

'Tryst with Destiny' and 'Death of Mahatma Gandhi' speeches by Pt. Jawarharlal Nehru

Speeches of Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Mountbatten, C. Rajagopalachari, Former Presidents, Former Prime Ministers including Indira Gandhi, other prominent leaders etc.

Films on Gandhiji after his return from South Africa, Departure of Lord Mountbatten from India, Funeral of Gandhiji, documentaries on Nehruji, Swearing-in of Rajaji, the First Republic Day etc.

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A catalogue of 1525 old and rare books of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a Video Film - 'The Presidency: Glimpses of First Year' and a Digital Photo Library have been also added to the website.

All the above mentioned can be accessed through a single click on the icon of 'Rashtrapati Bhavan Library', placed on the right hand side bottom of the website.