by: Nav Jeevan

Prez Kovind praises contribution of Gujaratis in maiden address to state Assembly

NE NEWS SERVICE

GANDHINAGAR, MARCH 24

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday addressed the Gujarat Assembly and praised the contribution of people of the state and its leaders like Sardar Patel 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.

Kovind praised Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution for uniting the country.

“In the hearts of people of India, the status of Sardar Patel is even higher than the world’s tallest Statue of Unity (of Patel) in Kevadia,” he said.

Kovind also said that Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Vadodara had helped Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to take up higher education and “it was here (in Gujarat) that Ambedkar took an oath to end untouchability”.

While praising the Gujarat model,  Kovind mentioned about the Sabarmati riverfront project and Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment project, both located in Ahmedabad.

On the Sabarmati riverfront project launched by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the President said it was an example of urban development where river environment could be protected and said it could be replicated in all cities located on the major river banks in the country.

“The Sabarmati riverfront is an impressive example of urban transformation. The relationship between Sabarmati and its residents has been given a new dimension while keeping the environment safe,” he said.

He also praised the ‘White Revolution” started in Gujarat under cooperative sector.