On Thursday, students of the Varkala Model Higher Secondary School in Kerala were given a once-in-a-lifetime surprise when President Droupadi Murmu, on her way to the Sivagiri Mutt to open the centenary celebration of Sree Narayana Guru's Mahasamadhi, halted her procession to meet the children waiting roadside near the helipad.
The students and teachers, who had only wished to catch a glimpse of the President, were overjoyed when Murmu emerged from her vehicle, smiling brightly and saluting them personally. "It was an unforgettable moment for us and our students. We never expected the President to step out of her convoy and meet us," said the headmaster of the school.
The students' enthusiasm and President Murmu's warm gestures have gone viral on social media, capturing an unforgettable moment for all.
Salutes, smiles, and marigolds from students
NCC cadets were standing at attention in uniform, saluting the President as she walked up. Murmu accepted marigold flowers that the students had grown in their school garden, making the encounter all the more personalised.
School staff members have also expressed their joy. Liyons, the staff secretary of the school, stated students had the rare chance of witnessing the President in addition to the Governor and ministers of the state. " We expected the President to just wave from her car. We are thrilled by this experience," he continued. The President interacted with the students for about five minutes before proceeding further.
A historic Sabarimala visit
Earlier during her Kerala visit, President Murmu created history as the first woman head of state to offer prayers at the Sabarimala shrine. She was joined by her son-in-law Ganesh Chandra Hembram, and security officials to offer prayers in the temple's Sannidhanam, staying at the location for almost three hours before taking a flight to Thiruvananthapuram. The President’s four-day Kerala visit was a mix of spiritual observances and interactions with the public.
