Jammu, Apr 18 (UNI) Appreciating the people of Jammu for maintaining cultural ethos and harmony despite all odds, President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said that diversity is the backbone of India.
“There are so many cultures in the country and they strengthen the nation,” said the President while speaking at a function ‘Swagat Samaroh’ organised by the Civil Society of Jammu to welcome him here in the lawns of Heritage building Amar Palace.
Beginning his speech in regional language Dogri language saying, “miki aaj thoyade lokein de vich aayeine mati khushi oyee,” (I feel happy with my presence between you all), the President said, “I have bonding with the state of Jammu and Kashmir.”
“When I was practicing way back in Delhi High Court in 1985 as a lawyer, I used to visit Jammu especially for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine,” said Mr Kovind.
He said that he used to enjoy ‘shikara’ ride with wife in Dal Lake and visit Lal Chowk to purchase Kashmiri clothes.
“Jammu and Kashmir attracts people towards its beauty,” he said and added that soon after becoming the President, he first visited the border areas of the State in Ladakh region to meet the troops as a Supreme Commander of Armed Forces.
“It was my responsibility towards them to meet the troops,” he added and said that he has assured the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti that he will soon visit to Kashmir also.
“Recently I visited three African Countries and met Indian Diaspora because after meeting them I do not feel tired,” said the President.
He said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are facing challenges, adding, “entire nation is proud of people of Jammu and Kashmir who prosper and grow despite having tough circumstances.”
“With the construction of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, the state has connected with different parts of the country and it is helping in generating economy of the region,” said the President.
Employment avenues have opened and transport connectivity also strengthened with the Asia’s longest Chennai-Nashri Tunnel, he said adding that IIM, IIT and AIIMS are being set up in the state, which will not only boost the professional education sector but also generate jobs for youth.
He however, also lauded the Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh.
The President ended his address in Dogri saying ‘tanyavaad’ (Thank you).
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