On the invitation of the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, 20 students and 4 escort teachers from the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Laing, Bhawanipur, Mahasing, and Phiringia, located in the Sundargarh and Kandhamal districts, visited Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 9 to celebrate Raksha Bandhan.
In a special moment during the event, five girls from EMRS Laing had the honour of presenting a traditional Rakhi and an abstract artwork depicting Radha and Krishna to the President. The painting combined spiritual symbolism with contemporary aesthetics, featuring fluid forms, colourful abstractions, and emotional depth to merge tradition with modern sensibilities.
The handmade Rakhi was intricately crafted with paddy grains and adorned with an artwork of Lord Jagannath at its centre, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. The students expressed their pride and joy in experiencing the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhawan and celebrating the festival in the presence of the First Citizen of India.
