President Droupadi Murmu to Ascend Sabarimala in Gurkha Emergency Vehicle; Entourage List Finalized

Thiruvananthapuram: President Droupadi Murmu, who is scheduled to arrive at Sabarimala on the 22nd of this month, will ascend the hill in a Gurkha Emergency Vehicle. Accompanying the President in the vehicle will be the Governor, his wife, and Minister V. N. Vasavan. The list of individuals accompanying the President for the ascent has been submitted by Rashtrapati Bhavan to the state government and has been forwarded for the High Court’s approval.

The list of accompanying security personnel has also been provided to the High Court. The Travancore Devaswom Board has submitted an affidavit to the High Court detailing the preparations for the President’s visit to Sabarimala. The affidavit assures that the President’s visit will not disrupt the ritualistic ceremonies or sanctity of Sabarimala.

The President’s journey from Pampa to Sannidhanam and back will be in a new four-wheel-drive Gurkha Emergency Vehicle, accompanied by a convoy of six other vehicles. This special Gurkha vehicle facility is being provided exclusively for the President’s visit. The convoy will travel either via the Swami Ayyappan Road or the traditional route, ensuring no inconvenience is caused to other devotees. A trial run of the vehicle convoy has already commenced.

This special vehicle convoy has been approved considering the President’s security and the unique characteristics of the region. The Tantri (chief priest) and others concerned have been informed. S. Bindu, Secretary of the Travancore Devaswom Board, submitted the affidavit through Devaswom advocate S. Biju. The Devaswom bench will consider the matter in the coming days.