Kolkata, March 27 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said sacrifice and martyrdom, culture and education have been the life ideals in the land of Bengal.
She said the people of Bengal are cultured and progressive.
The land of Bengal has given birth to immortal revolutionaries on one hand and prominent scientists on the other, she added.
From politics to the justice system, from science to philosophy, from spirituality to sports, from culture to business, from journalism to literature, cinema, music, drama, painting and other art forms, Bengal's remarkable pioneers have found new ways and methods in many fields, the President said.
Murmu attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of West Bengal in Kolkata this evening.
Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the government and the people of West Bengal for the warm welcome.
The President said that even after reaching the highest pinnacle of success, the people of Bengal maintain their connection with their soil and keep on increasing the glory of Mother India.
She appreciated the people of Bengal for this trait. She said that the people of Bengal have always given priority to the ideals of social justice, equality and self-respect.
The President was happy to note that a street on the former East Esplanade, in Kolkata has been named as 'Sido-Kanhu-Dahar'.
She said that such initiatives give strength to the ideals of our freedom struggle, especially to the self-confidence and self-pride of our tribal brothers and sisters.
Earlier, Murmu described her visit to the Jorasanko Thakurbari here as a memorable experience.
" It was a memorable experience to have visited the Jorasanko Thakurbari, the famous abode of the illustrious Tagore family of which Rabindranath Tagore became a global icon, " she stated.
" Seeing the house I got a glimpse of the rich contribution by the illustrious family to our culture, " the President said.
The President also visited Netaji Bhawan and paid floral tributes to one of the greatest icons of the freedom struggle.
She said, " Started my visit to West Bengal with a visit to Netaji Bhawan and paying floral tributes to one of the greatest icons of our freedom struggle. "
" Netaji's courage, resilience and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations of Indians. Jai Hind! " the President added.
The President arrived in the city on Monday on her maiden visit to West Bengal after taking the oath.
At the airport, she was greeted by State Governor C V Ananda Bose, senior minister Firhad Hakim and many other senior officials.
The President was also given a Guard of Honour at the city airport.
On Tuesday the President will visit Santiniketan to attend the annual convocation of Visva-Bharati.
The President will also visit Belur Math, besides gracing the celebration of the completion of 80 years of UCO Bank in Kolkata.
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