Prez arrives in Hyderabad for southern sojourn

President Pranab Mukherji  was accorded warm welcome by State Governor ESl Narasimhan, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and host of other dignitaries as he arrived in Hyderabad on his ten-day Southern Sojourn.President was taken aback when Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao bowed before him and touched his feet as a mark of respect.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was not present as he was visiting other parts of the State. Naidu will receive the President when he arrives at Tirupati Airport to visit Tirumala temple on July 1, official sources said.Special aircraft carrying the President and his entourage landed at Hakimpet Air Force Station and drove straight to Rashtrapati Nilayam at Bolarum.

Nilayam, the traditional abode of country’s President during their southern sojourns with sprawling grounds and host of facilities was spruced up for the visit.All the roads leading to the Presidential retreat were barricaded and a ring of elaborate security was thrown around the place.CCTV cameras were also installed to monitor the movement of the people.

While most of the Presidents kept the tradition of the Presidential retreat in Hyderabad alive, there was a long gap before then President Shankar Dayal Sharma revived it in early 1990s. While President KR Narayan was not a regular, APJ Abdul Kalam not only came to the Nilayam but also used the facilities here for the brain-storming sessions with the scientists, academicians and technocrats turning the sojourn in a working holiday.Pranab Mukherji during his stay will attend dinner hosted by Governor ESl Narasimhan and also arrange At Home for a large number of guests on July 7.