New Delhi: For the first time since independence, a wedding ceremony will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, India’s presidential palace. The two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers — Poonam Gupta and Avneesh Singh — who are part of President Droupadi Murmu’s security detail, will get married at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Valentine’s week will see the wedding take place on 12 February, and a guest list of guests will be in attendance. This is the first wedding shehnai will be played at the presidential residence, making this a unique occasion.
A Love Story in Uniform
PSO Poonam Gupta requested permission to get married at the Rashtrapati Bhavan during President Murmu’s duty. With the approval received, officials have begun making preparations for the ceremony. A 2018 batch officer, Gupta joined CRPF as an assistant commandant after clearing the UPSC exam. She has been instrumental in anti-Naxal operations in Bihar and had also recently commanded the women’s contingent on the 74th Republic Day. Advocate: Her husband-to-be, Avneesh Singh, is an Assistant Commandant in the CRPF and is presently posted in Jammu and Kashmir. They serve their country in different capacities, and their union is a love marriage.
A Secure Celebration
However, keeping in view the security, it has been decided that the wedding will be in the Mother Teresa Crown Complex, located within Rashtrapati Bhavan premises. It will be a small, closed ceremony only attended by more East and West family members.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, One Of The Heritage Sites Of India
Spread over 300 acres, the Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens during the British Raj. It was initially the Viceroy’s residence and, after independence, became the official residence of the President of India. The glorious building has 340 rooms and has hosted countless state events. Although scores of official banquets and events have taken place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the wedding will be the first personal celebration at the venue.
This historic occasion also symbolises the evolution of this iconic institution , which continues to manifest with a rich tapestry of tradition infused with modernity.