Rashtrapati Bhavan to Host Its First-Ever Wedding as CRPF Officers Poonam Gupta and Avnish Kumar Tie the Knot
In an unprecedented event, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of India’s President, is set to host a wedding for the first time in history. CRPF Assistant Commandant Poonam Gupta, currently serving as a Personal Security Officer (PSO) at the President’s residence, will tie the knot with fellow CRPF officer Avnish Kumar on February 12, 2025. The ceremony, which will take place at the Mother Teresa Crown Complex, will be a private affair attended only by close family members under strict security arrangements.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of India’s most iconic landmarks, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and serves as the residence of the President of India. Spanning 300 acres, the estate features a majestic main building covering over 200,000 square feet with 340 rooms across four floors. It is the second-largest official residence of any head of state worldwide, surpassed only by Italy’s Quirinal Palace. Over the years, the venue has welcomed numerous high-profile international dignitaries, but never before has a wedding been hosted within its historic premises.
The decision to allow this exceptional wedding has garnered significant attention, as Rashtrapati Bhavan has never permitted such an event before. Initially, reports of the wedding were met with skepticism, with many assuming it to be mere speculation. However, media sources later confirmed that President Droupadi Murmu had granted special approval for Poonam Gupta’s wedding in recognition of her exceptional dedication and professionalism in service.
Poonam Gupta is a distinguished officer who has made remarkable contributions to the CRPF. She first gained national recognition when she led the all-women contingent at the 74th Republic Day Parade. Before her posting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she served in a Naxal-affected region of Bihar, further demonstrating her commitment and courage in duty. Academically accomplished, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, a master’s degree in English Literature, and a B.Ed. from Jiwaji University, Gwalior. Her journey in the CRPF began when she secured the 81st rank in the UPSC CAPF examination in 2018.
Her fiancé, Avnish Kumar, is also an Assistant Commandant in the CRPF and is currently stationed in Jammu & Kashmir. Their wedding at Rashtrapati Bhavan is set to be an intimate celebration, with only immediate family members present.
President Droupadi Murmu’s personal approval of this wedding highlights Poonam Gupta’s exemplary service and unwavering discipline. The decision has sparked widespread interest, with many wondering how such an exception was granted for the first time in the history of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Poonam Gupta has a strong presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares insights into her work and motivational messages for aspiring candidates. Whether she will be allowed to share wedding photos from Rashtrapati Bhavan remains to be seen, adding to the growing curiosity surrounding this historic event.
