Visitors to the Rashtrapati Bhavan here can now take home souvenirs as memorabilia.
The new range of Rashtrapati Bhavan souvenirs is up for sale at the curio shop in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
It includes stationery set for students, fridge magnets, badges, magnetic bookmarks and photo frames that bring to life the intricate inlay works, dramatic murals and motifs that adorn the walls, ceilings, floor and carpets. The products are priced between Rs 50 and Rs 300.
The souvenirs are custom made and reflect the interiors and architecture of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and carry an introductory note.
They also provide a glimpse into the unique cultural heritage and beauty of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"We have taken number of steps to increase accessibility to Rashtrapati Bhavan, as well as information regarding Rashtrapati Bhavan. As a part of that we felt that the curio shop which has been existing for some time does not have an adequate range of good products which people can look at, people can buy and take back home as souvenirs," said Venu Rajamony, Press Secretary to President Pranab Mukherjee.
"Therefore, we have worked with some consultants and experts on the history of Rashtrapati Bhavan who have helped us design new range of products which highlights different architectural features, different interiors of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the form of souvenirs," he added.
The curio shop is operated by the President's Estate Co-operative Society and opens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the Rashtrapati Bhavan is accessible for public tours.
Plans are underway to promote the effort and come up with more souvenirs in the future.
" We are doing it step by step. This curio shop belongs to the Employee Cooperative Society. So we, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, are helping them and supporting them in developing this and improving the range of products available at the shop," said Rajamony.
"So, as a first step we have brought in these new products, we will be looking at what more products can be made available to the public who visit here and then as a next step we will see how this shop can be revamped," he added.
Ever since President Pranab Mukherjee took oath as the 13th President of India, he has ensured that the Rashtrapati Bhavan is made more people-friendly and is easily accessible to general public.
He has also allowed the 'Change of Guard' ceremony held every Saturday at Rashtrapati Bhavan to be witnessed by 200 people.
The number of visitors at the Rashtrapati Bhavan increased from 5.3 lakh in 2011 to 6.5 lakh in 2012 after the introduction of people-friendly measures such as online registration, increased number of visiting hours and allowing of visitors on weekends.
