In a significant ceremonial event that highlighted Lucknow's rich traditions of hospitality, President Droupadi Murmu was bestowed with the city's highest civic honour on Friday. The prestigious ceremony saw Mayor Sushma Kharakwal presenting the symbolic key of the city to the President, marking a moment of great pride for the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
A Grand Welcome at the Airport
The ceremonial presentation took place at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, where President Murmu was warmly received upon her arrival. The event witnessed the presence of the state's top leadership, including Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak.
Accepting the distinguished honour, President Murmu expressed her heartfelt gratitude and conveyed her good wishes to the people of Lucknow. The key presentation ceremony represents the highest form of respect that Lucknow extends to visiting dignitaries, symbolizing the city's openness and warm hospitality towards honoured guests.
Strengthening Cultural Identity and Development
State officials emphasized that such high-profile visits play a crucial role in strengthening Lucknow's cultural identity while providing fresh motivation to the state's ongoing development and governance initiatives. The presence of the President was described as a proud moment for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.
The ceremony underscored the importance of such traditions in maintaining the cultural fabric of the city while fostering a sense of pride among its residents. The event also highlighted the collaborative spirit between different levels of governance, from local civic authorities to state leadership and the highest constitutional office of the country.
Significance of the Tradition
The presentation of the city key is a time-honoured tradition that Lucknow reserves for distinguished visitors who have made significant contributions to the nation or who represent the highest offices of the country. This gesture symbolizes the city's respect and warm welcome to esteemed guests.
The presence of the entire top leadership of Uttar Pradesh at the airport to receive the President demonstrated the importance attached to the visit and the honour being conferred. Such ceremonies not only reinforce cultural values but also strengthen the bonds between different constitutional authorities while showcasing the rich traditions of Indian hospitality.
