Rashtrapati Bhavan, the grand official residence of the President of India, is set to witness history as it hosts its first-ever wedding on February 12, as per news reports. The momentous occasion will see CRPF officer Poonam Gupta, who led the CRPF’s all-women contingent during the 74th Republic Day Parade, tie the knot with fellow CRPF officer Avnish Kumar. The event marks an unprecedented moment for the iconic estate, which has long been a symbol of Indian democracy and governance.
A Historic Decision by President Murmu
Reports indicate that President Droupadi Murmu personally approved to host the wedding at Rashtrapati Bhavan, impressed by Gupta’s exemplary service, discipline, and leadership. Gupta, currently serving as a Personal Security Officer (PSO) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, received special permission for the ceremony, a rare and historic honor. It is reported that the President herself suggested the Mother Teresa Crown Complex within the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises as the wedding venue.
A Private Yet Prestigious Ceremony
The wedding will be a strictly private affair, attended only by close family members and friends. Given the highly secure nature of Rashtrapati Bhavan, all guests will undergo thorough screening before entry. The event will be held with minimal fanfare, in keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the presidential estate.
The Architectural Marvel of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan, an architectural marvel and a testament to India’s colonial and independent heritage, has never before hosted a wedding in its vast premises. Spanning four floors and encompassing approximately 200,000 square feet, the residence features 340 rooms, including corridors, anterooms, and grand halls that have hosted world leaders, dignitaries, and state functions. Constructed using 700 million bricks and three million cubic feet of stone, the estate is a masterpiece of Indo-European architecture.
A Special Honour for a Dedicated Officer
The decision to allow a wedding at Rashtrapati Bhavan underlines the highest regard for Gupta’s service and dedication. As the first woman to lead the CRPF’s all-women contingent during the Republic Day Parade, her achievements have been recognized at the highest level. Her fiancé, Avnish Kumar, also serves in the CRPF and is currently posted in Jammu and Kashmir, further emphasizing the couple’s commitment to national service.
