News 2 Feb 13 PRESIDENT HOUSE TURNS PEOPLE FRIENDLY

PRESIDENT'S HOUSE TURNS PEOPLE-FRIENDLY

[To host 200 public visitors for 'change of guard' ceremony]

 

Now, Rashtrapati Bhavan will be accessible to the aam admi.

In a significant move towards making Rashtrapati Bhavan people-friendly, it has been decided to make the ceremonial 'change of guard' of the President's Bodyguard open to the public every Saturday, Rashtrapati Bhavan will host 200 public visitors at its forecourt for watching the ceremony.

The   ceremony that entails a series of military traditions—from bugles and bands  to  the horse riding President's Bodyguard (PBG) will have a new look as the drill will be conducted in the back drop of the presidential house from the earlier North Block.

"We have decided to lift all restrictions with regard to the change of guard ceremony and about 200 people will be able to enter the forecourt. The changes have been made on the instructions of President Pranab Mukherjee, who is very particular about the fact that this place should be open and accessible to the common man," said Venu Rajamony, the President's press secretary. During winter, the ceremony will start at 10 am every Saturday, he added.

Change of guard is a military tradition whose origins are lost in antiquity. From time immemorial, guards and sentries at palaces, forts and defence establishments change periodically to enable a fresh body of troops to take charge. The ceremony was first opened to the public in 2007. Since assuming office, President Mukherjee has not only revamped the ceremony, but also relocated it to make more visually appealing and people-friendly.

While  the  PBG  is  permanently  based  in  the President's Estate, the Army Guard Battalion—currently the 28th Battalion of the Madras Regiment—is selected from among the elite infantry regiments of the Army and is turned over every three years.