President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Ranchi on Friday evening for a two-day visit to participate in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra. Her arrival at Birsa Munda International Airport at 4:30 pm was marked by a warm welcome from Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, and other dignitaries. From there, she proceeded to Raj Bhavan, where she will stay overnight before attending the grand event at BIT Mesra on Saturday.
The President’s visit is a moment of pride for the institution and the state, as BIT Mesra marks 75 years of academic excellence. During the celebration, she will address the gathering, emphasizing the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future. A commemorative medal will be released to honor the institution’s legacy, and she will also plant a sapling on the campus, symbolizing growth and sustainability.
Given the significance of the visit, the administration has put in place a comprehensive three-tier security arrangement. Nine superintendents of police, along with additional forces and magistrates, have been deployed at key locations across the city. Inspector General Akhilesh Jha, overseeing security operations, assured that all arrangements adhere to the highest VVIP protection protocols outlined in the official blue book. Traffic restrictions have also been imposed, with heavy vehicles barred from entering the city between 8 am and 10 pm on Saturday. Commuters have been advised to avoid routes between Neori and BIT Mesra, as well as from BIT More to Hinoo Chowk. Air travelers with flights scheduled between 4 pm and 5:30 pm have been asked to reach the airport by 3:30 pm to avoid delays.
The administration has taken special care to ensure that ongoing matriculation and intermediate board exams are not disrupted. Clear guidelines have been issued, advising first-session students to arrive at their centers by 9:30 am and second-session students by 12 noon to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations.
The President’s visit has received widespread appreciation from political leaders across parties. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya spoke of her deep-rooted connection with Jharkhand, while BJP spokesman Pratul Shadeo highlighted her longstanding ties with the state. Congress spokesman Rakesh Sinha acknowledged her invaluable contributions during her tenure as Governor, underlining the respect she commands across political lines.
At BIT Mesra, security arrangements have been tightened, with all attendees required to undergo thorough checks before entering the auditorium. The event is expected to be a significant moment in the institution’s history, celebrating its remarkable contributions to education, research, and entrepreneurship in India. The city is abuzz with anticipation, and as Ranchi welcomes the President, her presence adds a sense of honor to this milestone event.
