Prez Ramnath Kovind addresses Gujarat Legislative Assembly in Gandhinagar

President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the Gujarat Assembly and praised the contribution of people of the state and its leaders towards the country's development. It was the first address to the state Assembly by any President, and the event was part of the 'Aazdi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' to celebrate 75 years of India's independence.

President Kovind said that the people of Gujarat remained at the forefront in India's freedom struggle. He said that Mahatma Gandhi had not only given us freedom from British rule but also shown the new way of life - Non-violence to the world.

President said that the land of Gandhi and Sardar is also known as the land of Satyagrah Andolan. He said that Bardoli Satyagraha and Dandi March not only boost our freedom struggle but also highlight the way of agitation against injustice to the people.

He said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had united our country after independence. The world's tallest statue of Sardar Patel- the Statue of Unity is a symbol of our respect for him, but his place in our heart is the tallest one.

President Kovind also said that Gujarat remains progressive in the field of spirituality, culture, and economics apart from politics. He remembered Bhakt Kavi Narsinh Mehta, whose song "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Re Kahiye." also became the song of our freedom struggle. He also remembered Hansaben Mehta for her contribution to the United Nation and Indian Constitution for women's equality.

Referring to the Hindu, Jain, and Parsi pilgrimage places, President Kovind praised the generosity of the people of Gujarat which reflects the unity in diversity. He said that Gujarat is marching forward by achieving a new height of progress after its foundation in 1960. He congratulates all past and present leaders of the state for this achievement.

President Kovind further adds that former Prime Minister Moraraji Desai and acting Prime Minister Guljarilal Nanda belonged to Gujarat. He said that the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also from Gujarat and leading India to the new height by giving the new identity to the country.

He said that Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Vadodara had helped Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to take up higher education and it was in Gujarat that Dr. Ambedkar took an oath to end untouchability.

President Kovind also said that the role of people's representative is most important in a democracy. He said that the members of the Legislative Assembly are representatives of the people of their area and state. But the more important thing is that the people consider them to be the creators of their destiny.

The hopes and aspirations of the people are associated with them. He said that efforts to fulfill those aspirations of the people should be paramount for all of them.

Earlier, the Speaker of Gujarat Assembly Nimaben Acharya said that we feel proud that President Kovind has accepted our invitation to address the house during the celebrations of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. She said that the house was met for special sessions six times earlier and today is also a special occasion.

On Friday, President Kovind will award the 'President's Colour' to the Indian Naval Ship (INS) 'Valsura' at a ceremony to be held in Jamnagar. According to the official sources, the President's Colour is bestowed on a military unit, in recognition of its exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and during the war.

Earlier, President Ramnath Kovind had been accorded a warm welcome at Ahmedabad airport on his arrival this morning. Governor of Gujarat and Chief Minister along with other dignitaries had welcomed President Kovind.