Former President Ram Nath Kovind arrived in Shahjahanpur on a three-day visit to participate in the Basant Utsav–2026 celebrations at the Shri Ram Chandra Mission Ashram.

The annual festival is being observed with religious fervour and enthusiasm. Thousands of practitioners from India and abroad have congregated at the ashram to take part in collective meditation and prayer sessions.

Under the Heartfulness meditation system conducted by the Mission, participants offered prayers for global peace and the welfare of humanity. The atmosphere at the ashram was marked by devotion and spiritual discipline.

Mr. Kovind’s helicopter landed at the helipad located within the Reliance premises, where he was received by former District Panchayat अध्यक्ष Ajay Pratap, District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh, and Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi, among other officials.

Amid tight security arrangements, the former President proceeded to the ashram. He was welcomed by senior functionaries of the Mission, including Secretary Uma Shankar Bajpai, Joint Secretary Arjun Agarwal, Gopal Agarwal, Centre In-charge Sarvesh Chandra, and Raj Gopal Agarwal.

At the ashram, Mr. Kovind called on Revered Daaji and presented him with a bouquet. The two held a cordial interaction following which the former President joined the meditation session. He described the experience as spiritually uplifting and deeply peaceful.

The Basant Utsav–2026 celebrations underscored the significance of meditation, devotion, and regular spiritual practice in fostering inner transformation and promoting social harmony.