THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday hailed Kerala’s progress in the fields of education, health and pancayatraj .
At the civic reception organised by the government in his honour here, the President said the state’s emphasis on human development, health-care and education was an example for the rest of the country. “In sanitation, Kerala’s achievements are praiseworthy. In local self-government and panchayati raj, again Kerala has deepened our democracy,” he said.
The President said that people of Kerala were educated and knowledgeable. “The people of the state are always willing to use their knowledge and education to venture out and help build our nation and to contribute to the well-being and the prosperity of other regions,” he said.
He said historically Kerala is a land of spiritualism, with a tradition of spiritual leadership and social reformers extending from Adi Shankaracharya to Sri Narayana Guru to Ayyankali and so many others.
The President said that Kerala’s traditions and thinking have been humanistic, people-oriented and democratic.
“Today Kerala continues to attract the international community. This beautiful state is one of India’s leading tourism destinations,” he said and added that just as outsiders had flocked to Kerala, the people from here too had ventured out of their home state and contributed to the world.
Mr Kovind said the Malayalee migrant community was the backbone of the work-force of so many Gulf States. And it faithfully sends back remittances to help in the development of Kerala and of India, he said.
Governor P. Sathasivam, chief minister Pinaryi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues, opposition lead Ramesh Chennithala , senior bureaucrats and police officers, a cross section of society attended the reception. Mementos, memorabilia and gifts were presented to the President on the occasion.
Kovind greets in Malayalam Lal-starrer Villain
“President Ram Nath Kovind greeted the audience in Malayalam. “Sah-odari, Sahodaran mare ningalkku ente namas-kaam,” he said amidst thunderous applause.
President recollected that a month ago Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan had invited him to inaugurate Techno City and to the civic reception. “I told him to forget the reception but I will come for the Techno City inauguration. But he insisted. No Sir I will invite you only if you accept our invitation for the civic reception as well,” he said amidst laughter from audience.
Mr Kovind revealed that the Vote of Thanks precedes his speeches ever since he took charge.
