Page 3 - Indian President

RG Kar incident: Protesting doctors write to Prez, PM seeking intervention

Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal have written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting their intervention in the RG Kar hospital impasse. Copies of the four-page letter written by the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front were also sent to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Union Health Minister JP Nadda. A post-graduate trainee was raped and murdered in state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Junior doctors have been on 'cease work' since then. "We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension. "Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that

India, UAE showed women-led development can deliver better results: Murmu

India and the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated that women-led development can deliver more effective results for overall socio-economic development, President Droupadi Murmu said on Monday. Her assertion came during a meeting she had with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who had called on the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. She also praised the UAE leadership for ensuring the welfare, particularly the special care taken during the difficult times of the Covid pandemic, of more than 35 lakh Indian citizens in the West Asian country. Murmu was also happy to note the high rate of participation and contribution of women in all aspects of Emirati society, a statement issued by the President's office said. She said, "Both our countries have demonstrated that women-led development can deliver more effective results for overall socio-economic development". The President expressed satisfaction that during the Crown Prince's visit,

Respect women not just in 'words' but also in 'practice': President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday emphasised that respect for women should not be limited to "words" but must also be demonstrated in "practice" and said it is the responsibility of teachers and parents to educate children in a way that ensures they always uphold the dignity of women. "The status of women in any society is an important criterion for its development. It is the responsibility of teachers and parents to educate children in such a way that they always behave in accordance with the dignity of women. The respect of women should not be only in words but also in practice," Murmu said while speaking at the National Teachers Awards ceremony here. The president said that it the duty of teachers to prepare citizens, who are not only educated but also sensitive, honest and enterprising. "Moving ahead in life is success but the meaning of life lies in working for the welfare of others. We should have compassion. Our conduct should be ethical. A successful life lies in the ...

President Droupadi Murmu confers National Awards on teachers in Delhi

Addressing the gathering, the President said that teachers have to prepare such citizens who are not only educated but also sensitive, honest and enterprising

Economic empowerment of women will lead to country's progress: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said economic empowerment of women will lead to the country's progress and development. She also asked women to avail of the welfare schemes of the Centre and the state government. Addressing a gathering here, where the beneficiaries of the Eknath Shinde-led government's 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' and 'Shashan Aplya Dari' programmes were given certificates, she said the economic empowerment will result in the personal growth of women, who account for half of the country's population. President Murmu expressed happiness that the Maharashtra government has set the target of making 25 lakh women Lakhpati Didis (women earning more than Rs one lakh per year). She said she was happy to note that 13 lakh women have already become Lakhpati Didis. "The Centre has revised the target of Lakhpati Didis from one crore to three crore," the president said. Murmu asked women to take care of their health while caring for their families. "If you

Must make efforts to change 'adjournments culture' in courts: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said that efforts need to be made to change the "culture of adjournments" in courts to ensure swift justice. Addressing the valedictory event of the two-day National Conference of the District Judiciary here, she said that the pendency of court cases is a big challenge for "all of us". "All possible efforts need to be made to change the culture of adjournments in courts," she said. Murmu said all judges of the country have the responsibility to protect justice. She said common people's stress level increases in courtroom settings, a phenomenon she coined as "Black court syndrome," and suggested it be studied. She also expressed happiness over the increase in the number of women judicial officers. The event was attended by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal. Murmu also released a flag and insignia of the Supreme Court during the programme held at the Bhar

President Murmu asks media to do fearless reporting, stand with truth

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday asked the media to do fearless reporting and stand with the truth as she saw the fourth estate playing a big role in shaping the country and society. The president, who met PTI editors at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the news agency, said everyone has a responsibility in taking the country forward and it was important how the country is presented. "Media ko nirbhikta se kam karna chaiye (media should work fearlessly)," she commented. "Kabhi satya se hatna nahi chaiye (It should never deviate from the truth)." Murmu has also penned an exclusive article for PTI on the recent incidents of sexual and physical assaults on women, which have led to widespread agitations. "You are a journalist but you are also a citizen. I too am a citizen. What you are concerned about, I am equally concerned about," she remarked on writing the article. "The media can play a crucial role in improving the country and ...

Prez Murmu stresses upon increasing focus on minerals for green transition

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday stressed upon the need to increase the focus on critical minerals for green transition. Critical minerals, including lithium, play a crucial role in the production of clean energy technologies, from wind turbines to electric cars. They are particularly in demand for the production of batteries for electric cars. Speaking during National Geoscience Awards function, Murmu said the Critical Minerals Mission can provide essential raw material for green transition. For sustainable development, she said, India is committed to net-zero emission. Murmu also said that for making India a developed nation by 2047, there is a need for self reliance on mineral production and mineral exploration. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said the government is focusing on making India self reliant in critical and strategic minerals. He further said that 14 critical mineral blocks have been put on sale. The government, he said, is giving priority to offsh

India seen as 'Vishwa Bandhu' in conflict-ridden world: President Murmu

Asserting that India is engaging the world with renewed vigour to find solutions to global challenges, including climate change or taking a principled stand against international terrorism, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said the country is seen as a reliable Vishwa Bandhu' in a fast-changing and conflict-ridden world. Addressing officer trainees of the Indian Foreign Service (2023 batch), who had called on the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, she asked them to always be there for fellow Indians abroad. "In my recent visits abroad, I have seen for myself, the immense goodwill generated by our development partnership projects, in the field of infrastructure, education, health and agriculture; particularly in countries of the Global South," Murmu said. There is also tremendous interest in Indian soft power, including films, Yoga, Ayurveda and Indian art, crafts, dance and music, she said. "I have also sensed that our friends and partners abroad now have very high ...

President Murmu urges people to ensure safety of women on Raksha Bandhan

President Murmu said the festival instills a feeling of affection and respect towards all sisters and daughters

President Murmu, PM Modi pay tributes to Vajpayee on death anniversary

Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla along with other members of the Cabinet also attended the prayer meeting at 'Sadaiv Atal'

President Murmu conferred with Timor-Leste's highest civilian award

President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, by her counterpart Jos Ramos-Horta on Saturday. Murmu, 66, received the award for her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and women empowerment, her office said in a post on X. President Murmu said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste. Murmu arrived in Dili on the last leg of her three-nation visit on Saturday after concluding her trip to New Zealand and Fiji. Murmu's trip is the first-ever presidential visit from India to the Southeast Asian nation. She was warmly received by President Ramos-Horta at the airport, her office said. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport. She was also accorded a ceremonial reception and guard of honour in the Presidential Palace, Dili. President Murmu held extensive discussions with her counterpart Ramos-Horta on enhanc

President Murmu holds discussions with Timor Leste prez on boosting ties

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday reached Timor-Leste, on the last leg of her three-nation visit, after concluding her visit to New Zealand and Fiji. This will be the first-ever presidential visit from India to Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Furthering the Delhi-Dili connect! President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn arrived in Dili for the first-ever Head of State level visit from India to Timor-Leste. In a special gesture, President @JoseRamosHorta1 of Timor-Leste warmly received President Murmu at the airport" During the visit, apart from the bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta, there will also be a meeting with Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao who will call on Murmu. The president will also attend a community reception with the Indians in Timor-Leste and Friends of India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Ahead of the visit, MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar told reporters in

Prez Murmu lays wreath at Pukeahu War National Memorial Park in New Zealand

President Murmu will hold a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and will address an education conference

Prez Murmu discusses ways to boost bilateral ties with New Zealand's Dy PM

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday met New Zealand's Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters to discuss friendly bilateral ties and ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors. Murmu arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday on the second leg of her three-nation tour. She was accorded Royal Guard of Honour on her arrival in the country. "President Droupadi Murmu held a meeting with Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro of New Zealand. Both leaders hailed the warm and friendly relationship between the two countries and discussed cooperation across various sectors," the President's Office said in a post on X. Later, Peters, who is also the Foreign Minister, called on President Murmu. "Both leaders acknowledged the progress in bilateral relations and deliberated upon ways of enhancing cooperation in several areas," her office said. She also addressed the New Zealand International Education Conference in Wellington. During her address, she spoke about

President Droupadi Murmu arrives in New Zealand to boost bilateral ties

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday on the second leg of her three-nation tour during which she will meet Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other senior ministers as India seeks to give further impetus to the bilateral ties. Murmu was accorded a warm welcome by Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing and Associate Foreign Affairs, as she arrived in New Zealand, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X. "A warm welcome to the Hon'ble @rashtrapatibhvn Smt. Droupadi Murmu as she arrived in New Zealand today. Warmly received by Minister @toddmcclaymp and HC Neeta Bhushan at Auckland," it said. Taking to X, McClay said it was an honour to welcome President Murmu to New Zealand. "This visit is one of many recent government engagements to deepen our relationship & boost our strong people-to-people & cultural links," he said. Murmu arrived in New Zealand after concluding .

President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Fiji, set to address Parliament

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Fiji on Monday on the first leg of her three-nation visit during which she will hold meetings with President Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as India seeks to give further impetus to the historic bilateral ties. She will be in Fiji from August 5-7 at the invitation of its President Katonivere. This is the first visit by an Indian head of state to the archipelago nation. President Murmu was received by Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka, the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, PS Karthikeyan, and other Fijian officials at the airport. "President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu arriving into Nadi for her two-day State Visit of Fiji. Her Excellency was received and welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Turaga na Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci and Fiji's High Commissioner to India, Mr Jagnnath Sami," said a post on the Fijian government's official Facebook page. During her visit, she

Prez calls Guvs Centre-state links; VP urges them to seek info from states

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said the governors are the link between the Centre and states in the federal system while Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said the governors should not hesitate in seeking information from the state governments. In her closing remarks at the two-day conference of the governors, Murmu said smooth functioning of all institutions is very important for public welfare and overall development. According to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, she said the discussions took place in the conference with the aim of creating better coordination among various institutions. "The governors are the link between the Centre and the states in the federal system of India," the statement said. President Murmu expressed confidence that cooperative federalism and mutual coordination of the central institutions will be promoted as per the suggestions given by the groups of governors. She said the governors are responsible for setting an ideal example for the

President Murmu to embark on 6-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, Timor-Leste

President Droupadi Murmu will undertake a six-day visit of Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste beginning August 5, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday. Murmu's first destination will be Fiji where she will hold meetings with President Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. "This will be the first-ever visit by a Head of State from India to Fiji," the MEA said on Murmu's August 5 to 6 trip to the island nation. It said she is scheduled to address the Fijian Parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora in the country. "The visit reflects India's continued commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Fiji," the MEA said. "On the second leg of her visit, President Murmu will visit New Zealand on August 7 to 9 at the invitation of Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor General of New Zealand," it said. During the State visit, she will hold a bilateral meeting with Governor General Kiro and meet Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. President Murmu will

Bengal in anarchic condition, restore law, order: Adhir writes to President

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that West Bengal is in an "anarchic condition" and sought her intervention to "restore law and order" in the state. Chowdhury, the president of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, referred to poll-related violence and alleged attacks on party workers during this year's general elections. "I wish to seek your kind intervention in restoring civility and law and order in public life in West Bengal. For me, at a personal level, it is not only disturbing but also deeply anguishing to see the anarchic condition in the state owing to the ruthless approach of the ruling party on the workers, sympathisers, and supporters of the opposition," Chowdhury wrote in the two-page letter. As a result, many innocent persons have lost their lives, and have been jailed or taken into custody, he alleged. "There are also several cases of people not affiliated to the ruling party and inclined favourably