Hyderabad
On Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a replica of the historic flag post at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad during her current southern sojourn. The 120-feet replica, reminiscent of the original erected in 1867, was hoisted with the national flag. The original flag post, integrated into the Indian Union in 1948, witnessed the hoisting of the tricolor by Prince Azam Jah. Formerly known as Bolarum Residency, Rashtrapathi Nilayam became the third official residence of the President after Delhi and Shimla.
Mir Osman Ali Khan officially handed it over to the Government of India in 1955. Due to the original flag post’s dilapidation and threat to the main building, it was dismantled. The replica, mirroring the original’s structure, incorporates wooden platforms and a motorized hoisting mechanism. It features 14 supports, including reused foundations and new stone ones. Illumination for night flag hoisting is provided by 250-watt LED lights. President Murmu also inaugurated a maze garden, children’s park, restored step wells, traditional irrigation systems, Shiva and Nandi sculptures, and new enclaves in the knowledge gallery. Spanning 90 acres, Rashtrapati Nilayam boasts landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and diverse nutrition gardens. The historic residence was opened to the public in March but will remain closed in December for the President’s annual sojourn. Once the country house of the British Resident, it now stands as a testament to history and presidential retreat.
