Prez Kovind Inaugurates Reconstructed Darbar Hall Of Raj Bhavan In Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 11: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday inaugurated the reconstructed Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan here in the presence of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, CM Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
President Kovind unveiled the plaque and performed the ‘Dwar Pujan’ of the revamped Darbar Hall which now has a seating capacity of 750 as compared to earlier’s 225.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said, “The Raj Bhavan, like Rashtrapati Bhavan is a constitutional symbol of the hopes and aspirations of people in a democracy. The inauguration of the new Darbar Hall in the Platinum Jubilee of India’s Independence is a celebration of democracy. The Raj Bhavan will become a powerful centre of welfare of the people of the State.”
While, the Governor told, “During his two and a half years as Governor, he strived to transform Raj Bhavan into Lok Bhavan. I supported the creation of the Centre of Defence Studies and also the Institute of Maritime Studies in the University.”
“I strived to provide land or houses to 23,000 Katkaris in Maharashtra using his powers under Schedule V of the Constitution. A gallery of Indian Revolutionaries will be opened in the underground bunker at Raj Bhavan shortly,” he added. He applauded the construction workers for their dedication in completing the Darbar Hall in a record time of two years between 2019-2021, including the disruption of works due to COVID.
Similarly, the CM mentioned, “Maharashtra Raj Bhavan, surrounded by three sides by the Arabian Sea is the most beautiful Raj Bhavan in the country. I met former President Gyani Zail Singh and many other Governors of Maharashtra at the Raj Bhavan.”
“The Raj Bhavan which was witness to the formation of the State of Maharashtra, has readied itself to witness the transformations in a healthy democracy,” he remarked while heaping praises upon the minds for retaining the heritage features while reconstructing the Darbar Hall.
First Lady Savita Kovind, PWD Minister Ashok Chavan, Protocol Minister Aaditya Thackeray, Minister of State Aditi Tatkare, Bombay High Court Chief Justice Dipankar Datta, Deputy Chairperson of Legislative Council Dr Neelam Gorhe and Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal were also present.
Built in the year 1911 to welcome the King George V and Queen Mary of England, the Old Darbar Hall was designed by Architect George Wittet.
