President Droupady Murmu arrived here
today morning on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu.
This is her first visit to Tamil Nadu after assuming office as the
President of India.
She was received at the airport by Governor R.N.Ravi, State IT
and Digital Services Minister T.Mano Thangaraj, Madurai Distirct
Collector and senior officials.
After the brief reception, she drove down to the famous Meenakshi
Sundareswarar temple and offered worship. She is also likely to take
part in the Annadhanam (free meals to devotees) scheme in the
temple.
The President spent about 45 minutes at the temple during which she
also witnessed the temple tank.
After offering worship at the temple, she will fly to Coimbatore where
she will take part in the Mahashivaratri Celebrations at the Isha Yoga
Centre.
Ms Murmu would be the Chief guest at the Maha Shivratri function
during which she will worship at Dhyanalinga and Yogeswara Linga
at the Isha Foundation.
After an overnight stay at the Government Guest House at Race course,
Ms Murmu will visit the Wellington Military Centre at Coonoor in Nilgiris
District by helicopter tomorrow and pay her respects by placing a wreath
at the war memorial.
From Wellington, she will reach Coimbatore airport by helicopter and
fly back to Delhi.
Police have made elaborate security arrangements in Madurai and in
the Textile city of Coimbatore in view of President’s visit.
Police sources said a five-tier security has been put in place in and around
the temple in Madurai and have installed more than 100 CCTV cameras.
Vehicle checks have been intensified and barricades were erected.
More than 3,000 police personnel were deployed on security duty and
eight watch towers were erected in and around the temple as part of
heightened security arrangements.
Security was also tightened in Coimbatore as part of the President’s visit
with the deployment of more than 5,000 police personnel in the city and in
suburbs.
Police have also banned flying of drones in both the cities in view of the
President’s visit.
