Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 29
The Rashtrapati Bhavan will host its largest gathering for a single event tomorrow evening when over 8,000 eminent persons are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PMNarendra Modi and his Council of Ministers, for a second term.
The size of the gathering at the ceremony may mirror the scale of BJP’s landslide victory, but sources at the Rashtrapati Bhawan said the affair would be simple and solemn as per wishes of President Ram Nath Kovind and the Prime Minister.
The swearing-in ceremony will be hosted in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan — the stately path between the main gates and the main building, which is used for the ceremonial reception of visiting heads of state and heads of government as also for the change of guard ceremony.
Keeping in mind the size of gathering and also learning from the past experience, officials said ramps were being constructed in the sitting area and the stage for the ceremony had been kept high to make the ceremony accessible to more people, instead of keeping it exclusive or selective.
Chiefs of national and regional parties have been invited as have key senior politicians. Even the family members of victims of alleged political violence in Bengal will be present there. After the event, the officials said, high tea would be served where a vegetarian fare ranging from samosas to Rajbhog and lemon tarts would be served.
The President would host a private light dinner for the visiting dignitaries, where both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food would be served, they said, adding that the highlight on the occasion would be signature Raisina Dal, which is cooked for 48 hours before being served.
The President’s kitchen has taken into consideration that many visiting dignitaries are from countries to India’s east where cuisine is usually not very rich or heavy, and the timing of the event will make it rather a late meal for them as compared to their local time.
Meanwhile, as a routine drill, it has been decided to close government offices around the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow in view of the swearing-in ceremony. In an order, the Department of Personnel said, “The government offices located in the North Block, South Block, Rail Bhawan, Vayu Bhawan, Sena Bhawan, DRDO and Hutments would be closed early at 2 pm on May 30 in connection with the arrangements for the swearing-in.”
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2QzXtMJ
via Today’s News Headlines
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