President Murmu Cancels Jalandhar Visit Over Bad Weather

President Droupadi Murmu’s planned visit to Jalandhar on Friday to attend the 21st convocation of the Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT) was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Dense fog and poor visibility in several parts of Punjab prompted authorities to call off her itinerary, prioritising safety.

The President had arrived in Amritsar on Thursday, where she addressed the convocation at Guru Nanak Dev University, highlighting her engagement with academic institutions in the state. She was scheduled to travel to Jalandhar the following day to serve as the chief guest at NIT’s prestigious event.

“The President’s visit was cancelled due to bad weather conditions,” confirmed Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal. In recent days, morning fog has blanketed Punjab, affecting travel and outdoor events across the region. Authorities had monitored conditions closely before making the decision.

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Despite the President’s absence, the NIT convocation proceeded as planned, with Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria attending on her behalf. Graduates, faculty, and other dignitaries participated in the ceremony, ensuring the milestone celebration continued smoothly.

Earlier, the Punjab government hosted a dinner in Amritsar on Thursday evening to honour President Murmu. The event saw the presence of Governor Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and several state ministers, reflecting the state’s effort to warmly welcome the President despite the change in schedule.

Officials emphasized that while the President could not visit Jalandhar due to safety concerns, her engagements in Punjab remained significant, marking her support for higher education and academic excellence. The state government expressed hope for a future opportunity for her to interact with students and faculty in person at NIT.

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