GANDHINAGAR: Stating that people consider elected representatives as those who shape their destiny, President Ram Nath Kovind told legislators that their prime aim must be to fulfill the aspirations of the electorate.
He said this on Thursday while addressing a special session of the Gujarat assembly. It is the first time that a President has addressed the state assembly in Gandhinagar.
“People consider you to be the creators of their destiny. Fulfilling the aspirations of the people should be paramount for you,” President Kovind told elected representatives at the state assembly.
He paid glowing tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in this speech. “The 182-metre tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel located on the banks of the Narmada river, is known as the Statue of Unity. But in the minds of people of Indians, the stature of Sardar Patel is even taller. The statue is a tribute of the country’s gratitude for his contribution to the county,” the President remarked.
Commenting on the Sabarmati ashram redevelopment project and the Sabarmati riverfront, the President said, “The Sabarmati ashram is being redeveloped as an international tourist destination. The Sabarmati riverfront is an example of river rejuvenation and environment conservation even while providing recreation facilities to people. It is a good example to follow for those cities which have rivers flowing through them.”
President Kovind appreciated the contribution of successive state governments in Gujarat’s development over the decades. He recollected the contributions of Narsinh Mehta, Vikram Sarabhai, Homi Bhabha, former CM Balwantrai Mehta, G V mavalankar, Vitthalbhai Patel and others in Gujarat’s and India’s growth story.
During his 17-minute speech, the president spoke a few lines in Gujarati, quoting poet Umashankar Joshi and commenting that dedication of Gujaratis for the country has been exemplary. The few lines that he spoke in Gujarati received a huge applause from the members of the house.
Kovind said his association with Gujarat has been since the 70s decade when he worked closely with former Prime Minister Morarji Desai as personal secretary. “After Moraji Desai, I have worked closely with present PM Narendra Modi as well,” the President said.
Earlier, Gujarat assembly speaker Nimaben Acharya handed over copies of the Bhagwad Gita to President Kovind and governor Acharya Devvrat. “This is the first time that the President of India is addressing a special session of the Gujarat assembly. It is a matter of pride for the assembly,” she said.
Start a Conversation
Post comment