Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 22: President Droupadi Murmu’s four-day visit to Kerala took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when the helipad tarmac at Pramadam Stadium partially gave way shortly after her helicopter landed. The incident occurred as part of her official tour, during which she planned a pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple.

Responding swiftly to the situation, personnel from the police and fire departments manually repositioned the helicopter away from the sunken section of the helipad to ensure safety.

President Murmu arrived in the state on October 21, with her visit set to conclude on October 24. She was officially welcomed at Thiruvananthapuram Airport by prominent dignitaries including Kerala governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and union minister of state George Kurian.

Taking to social media, CM Vijayan expressed the state’s appreciation: “Warmly welcomed Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on her visit to Kerala. Her presence was a great honour for the State and our people.”

The President’s itinerary has been packed with high-profile engagements. On October 22, she performed darshan and aarti at the Sabarimala Temple. The following day, she unveiled a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. She also inaugurated the Mahasamadhi Centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, and attended the concluding ceremony of St. Thomas College’s Platinum Jubilee in Palai.

Her final day in the state includes participating in the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam on October 24.

During her stay, President Murmu also held discussions with a BJP delegation led by Kerala party president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The meeting at Raj Bhavan focused on various public issues, including the recent Sabarimala gold theft case.