On August 1, 2025, President of India Droupadi Murmu will arrive on her visit to Dhanbad to witness the convocation ceremony of Dhanbad-based prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). It is a historical event in the institution as well as the city since it is the first time that the President will be visiting the IIT Dhanbad campus after becoming the President. The fact that she is the chief guest in the 45th convocation is likely to give the convocation a ceremonial sort of grandeur where she shall be presenting degrees to the graduates of a variety of courses, with B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA and Ph.D. being among the vast categories.
The visit is to be in the two-day tour by the President in the state of Jharkhand, with the rest of the day being dedicated to Deoghar and Ranchi on the 31st of July. It is the Dhanbad leg of the tour that is being specially looked into by the city administration and the Indian Institute of Technology, which is making elaborate arrangements so as to receive the Head of State. The administration, municipal corporation, and Jharkhand Police officials are all keeping in fine tune to make the visit smooth and safe.
The civic authorities have also embarked on a massive anti-encroachment and beautification programme in the run-up to the visit by the President. The five-kilometre road connecting IIT (ISM) to Police Line is free of illegal stalls, tin sheds, banners, and tidy structures. This was once a jammed track with all kinds of street hawkers and encroachers who littered the place, but now there is a clean and systematic road lined with paths made to show the cultural spirit of Jharkhand. The upgraded stretch has been termed by the authorities as a canvas painted in Jharkhandi culture since tribal art, folk designs, and paintings are done across the walls and the open areas to reflect the richness of the native culture of the state.
There has been increased security in the entire city, particularly in the IIT campus, the airport and the path the President is likely to take on his way. Teams of top-level security have been deployed specifically in the state and central agencies to ensure arrangements. During the movements of the President, there will be drone surveillance, mobile patrol and access restrictions. The administration has also installed traffic diversion to avoid congestion, hence safe movement of the presidential convoy.
The upcoming convocation will be not only an academic landmark but also it will be a matter of great pride for Jharkhand. President Droupadi Murmu is a tribal woman in Odisha, where she grew up: her cultural and social roots are in the foothills of the area. Her being there is seen as quite symbolic and inspirational to those students who are in marginalized groups. The different cultural divisions, student bodies and faculty are making arrangements to invite her by holding welcoming events and exhibitions in her memory.
Top leadership of the country, renowned academicians and dignitaries will be expected to be present at the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad convocation. As the city receives a swift makeover on her account, the visit of the institute President, Murmu, is set to be a historical event not only to the institute, but also to the civic pride of Dhanbad.
