Ranchi, Nov. 25: Governor M.O.H. Farook today took stock of preparations for President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil’s visit to Ranchi University (RU) on December 9 to grace its 25th convocation the day after.

“The governor held a meeting to discuss issues of security, protocol, et al with government officials and army personnel. He also held talks with RU officials as well as Khai Gram Udyog Board members, whose functions the President is scheduled to attend,” said Sudhir Tripathy, principal secretary to the governor.

The meeting, which was chaired by the governor, saw the presence of chief secretary A.K. Singh, director general of police Neyaz Ahmed, principal secretary to governor Sudhir Tripathy, cabinet co-ordination secretary Aditya Swaroop, home secretary Rajbala Verma, chairman of state khadi board Jainandu, pro vice chancellor of RU V.P. Sharan, south Chotanagpur commissioner S.K. Rapaj, Ranchi deputy commissioner K.K. Soan among others.

According to the itinerary the President, who is also the chief of armed forces of the country, will be given a guard of honour by the Indian army at Raj Bhavan on December 10. The first citizen would then grace RU’s convocation at Ranchi University campus in Morabadi, where she is the chief guest. Patil, who would remain at the convocation from 10:30am to 11:45am, would also inaugurate the new building of the Institute of basic Sciences.

The President is also scheduled to inaugurate a khadi and handicraft fair at Morabadi grounds in the evening. Governor Farook will then host a banquet in hour of the President at Raj Bhavan, amid the presence of selected personalities and VVIPs.

On the same day she would inaugurate a khadi and handicraft fair at neighbouring Morabadi ground. The formal functions would take place between 6 pm to 7.15 pm.

The President would leave Ranchi on the morning of November 11.