Free Entry for Forces at Rashtrapati Nilayam

Rashtrapati Nilayam has announced a waiver of registration charges for defence and paramilitary personnel visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President’s Retreats, including its Hyderabad facility, from July 25 to September 13 to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas and Independence Day.

The announcement coincided with week-long Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations from July 21 to 27, which saw participation of around 5,000 students, NCC cadets and family members of defence personnel.

The celebrations concluded on Monday with Major General G. Srinivas, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Sub Area Headquarters, attending as chief guest along with his wife, Vaishno Srinivas.

Paying tribute to soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War, Maj. Gen. Srinivas said the nation’s freedom had been secured through the sacrifices of the armed forces. He acknowledged the role of soldiers’ families and urged students to uphold values of integrity, courage and commitment.

As part of the programme, Rashtrapati Nilayam organised competitions in painting, elocution, group dance, group singing and rangoli on themes of patriotism and the Kargil War. Nearly 1,400 students from 165 schools and 80 colleges took part, including participants from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Telangana Residential Model Schools, Army Public Schools, private schools, and higher education institutions.

The closing ceremony featured a human chain forming the Tricolour and the words “Jai Hind”, screening of a documentary on the Kargil War, a tribute wall for messages to soldiers, an exhibition of paintings and cultural performances by winners.

Members of the Aksharayan Women Writers Organisation presented their poetry collection Salam Sainika to the chief guest and recited poems dedicated to Kargil heroes. Winners of the competitions were felicitated at the event.