Berhampur: On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu, en route from Berhampur railway station to Taptapani, around 50km away, asked her convoy to stop at Meenakshi Nagar here, after noticing students waving at her from the roadside.Digressing from presidential security protocol, Murmu, known for her simplicity and warmth, Murmu alighted from her car and walked straight towards girl students. “We were extremely surprised as the Prez stepped out and walked at us without prior information,” said Smaranika Rath, a final-year Plus III (science) student. She gave them chocolates and asked about how they read. “She also advised them to read well and excel in studies in future,” said Rasmi Swain, another student.“It was not only memorable, but an inspiring moment for us, as she broke protocol and gave us chocolates and blessings,” added Archita Priyadarshini, a second year (commerce) college student.Murmu spent around 15 minutes and handed chocolates to over 50 students individually. As the crowd swelled, she left for Taptapani. Once there, the President prayed at Maa Kandhuni Devi and Nilakantheswar Shiva temples. She spent around 30 minutes at the shrines performing rituals. Thereafter, she returned to the Army AD College at Golabandh for overnight halt. She is scheduled to leave for Bhubaneswar by a special train on Wednesday.Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi received the President at platform No. 4 of Berhampur railway station and later at Taptapani. More than 200 local folk artistes performed at the railway station and at Taptapani to welcome her.
