In a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Draupadi Murmu bestowed the Arjuna Award upon para-archer Rakesh Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar, who hails from Reasi district, is the third para-archer to receive this prestigious award, and his exceptional performance in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo made him a top contender. He represented India at the Paralympics and has a world ranking of No. 1 in compound archery. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have both congratulated Kumar on his achievement.
Four elite Indian athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances and achievements in the field of sports by President Droupadi Murmu. The prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award was presented to D. Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, acknowledging their significant contributions to India’s success in various international events. Along with these four honorees, 32 athletes were also awarded with the Arjuna Award during the ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu honoured some of the country's top athletes with the prestigious sports award - Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This award is given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports and is given to sportspersons for their outstanding performance in their respective fields over a period of four years. This year's recipients include the youngest-ever World Chess Champion Gukesh D, Paris Olympics and Paralympics medallists Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. Additionally, 17 para-athletes were also honoured with the Arjuna Award, which is given for outstanding performance in sports and games with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
The Indian sports community is in celebration as shooter Manu Bhaker, chess world champion D Gukesh, men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar have been selected as recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Bhaker's historic double-medal win at the Olympics, along with Harmanpreet's leadership in securing a second consecutive bronze for the Indian hockey team, were highlights of their achievements. Gukesh's victory as the youngest ever chess world champion and helping India win the gold in Chess Olympiad, and Praveen's T64 championship win in Paralympics, have also earned them the prestigious award. The award ceremony will take place on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the awardees will receive this recognition from the President of India.
Indian athletes Manu Bhaker and D Gukesh have been selected to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honor in the country. This announcement comes alongside the nomination of Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and para-athlete Praveen Kumar for the same award. The recipients will receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2025. Bhaker and Gukesh have made their mark in their respective sports, with Bhaker making history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics, and Gukesh becoming the youngest ever World Chess champion.
In a special event held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute and recognized the crucial contributions of 15 women members of the Indian Constituent Assembly in shaping the country's constitutional framework. During her address, President Murmu highlighted the significant impact of these women in ensuring gender equality and representation in the democratic process, and their tireless efforts in making the Constitution inclusive and progressive. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of India.
After his formal appointment by the Union government, Justice Sanjiv Khanna officially took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice DY Chandrachud, who had recommended him as his successor in line with constitutional norms. With a distinguished four-decade long judicial career, Justice Khanna is set to serve a short six-month tenure before his retirement in May 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu of India has renamed two iconic halls of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, marking a shift towards Indian cultural values and ethos. The Durbar Hall, which is used for important ceremonies and celebrations, has been renamed to honour India's status as a Republic. Similarly, the Ashok Hall, originally a ballroom, has been renamed to honour Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful co-existence. This move is seen as a step towards removing British influence and upholding key Indian values.
India's Rashtrapati Bhavan has announced the renaming of two historic buildings - Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap. The decision was made to reflect the country's shift from a monarchy to a republic. This change signifies the deep-rooted concept of 'Ganatantra' in Indian society.
President Droupadi Murmu honored personnel of the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and state/Union Territory Police with 26 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumous, for their bravery and steadfastness in duty. The ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on July 5, 2024, recognized the exceptional courage demonstrated by awardees in the face of adversity. The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of our brave soldiers.