Pratibha Patil begins MP tour

Indore, Jun 27 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who is on a four-day official visit to Madhya Pradesh, today inaugurated Media Bhawan of the Choitram Netralaya and Devi Ahilya University here.

After inaugurating the 'Netralaya', the President viewed the medical facilities and expressed satisfaction over the consequent future benefit to tribal people of Dhar and Jhabua districts.

The approximately Rs 2-crore Media Bhavan, having three storeys and spread over 8,000 square feet in the varsity's Takshashila premises, was inaugurated in the presence of Governor Balram Jakhar, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state Public Works Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and MP Sumitra Mahajan.

The President viewed a photo exhibition at the Bhavan that includes a seminar hall, audio studio, TV studio, photo lab, computer lab, printing press, press conference room, library and auditorium.

Earlier, a rousing reception was accorded to Ms Patil on her arrival.

Upon arrival by a special Indian Air Force aircraft from Mumbai, Dr Jakhar, Mr Chouhan and others welcomed her. From the airport, she drove to the Circuit House 'Residency Kothi'.

Besides Indore, she will be visiting Ujjain, Bhopal and Gwalior during her maiden visit to the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state after assuming India's highest office nearly a year back.

Ms Patil is scheduled to halt for the night.

The President will tomorrow visit Ujjain where she will offer prayers at the Mahakaleshwar temple and also visit her brother's residence.

On her return tomorrow afternoon, she will attend a programme of the Madhya Bharat Hindi Sahitya Sammelan and Indore Paraspar Sahakari Bank.

The President will arrive in the state capital on June 29 to inaugurate the buildings of Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University and also the Advanced Research and Development Centre of the People's Group of Educational Institutions.

Even as preparations are complete for the inauguration, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad demanded that Vice-Chancellor Kamlakar Singh be kept away from the function due to alleged irregularities.

On the same day, Ms Patil will launch the state government's Usha Kiran Yojana to give assistance to those facing domestic violence.

On June 30, Ms Patil will visit Gwalior, where she will attend the golden jubilee function of the Madhav Institute of Technology and Science. From Gwalior, she will return to New Delhi.

UNI Team-AC AM UCS2254