THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: President Ram Nath Kovind was given a warm reception on Sunday on his maiden visit to the state after taking over as the President. Mr. Kovind reached the Air Force technical area at Shanghumugham by 9.15 a.m. He was received by Governor P. Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The President was also given a guard of honour by defence forces at the technical area. There was slight drizzle during the reception.
Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, ports minister Ramachandran Kadanapally, forest minister K. Raju, MLAs, chief secretary K.M. Abraham, other senior IAS officers, Air Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria of Southern Air Command, state police chief Loknath Behera, district collector K. Vasuki and Mayor V.K. Prasanth were also present to receive the President. He later proceeded to attend a function at Matha Amrithananda Mayi Mutt by a special helicopter. Governor P. Sathasivam and Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran also accompanied the President. After attending the functions, the President returned to the Air Force technical area by around 1.15 p.m. and he left for Delhi by 1.25 p.m. The Governor and Chief Minister saw off him.
