President Ram Nath Kovind told the legislators that their prime aim should be to fulfil the aspirations of the people. He made this remarks while addressing a special session of the Gujarat assembly, the first time a President has addressed the state assembly in Gandhinagar. On the Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment project and Sabarmati riverfront, the President said, “Sabarmati Ashram is being redeveloped as an international tourist destination. The Sabarmati riverfront is an example of river rejuvenation and environmental conservation even while providing recreation facilities to people. It is a good example to follow for those cities which have rivers flowing through them.”
Mahatma Gandhi not only provided leadership to India’s freedom struggle, but also showed a new path, new thinking and new philosophy to the whole world, he noted. “Today, whenever there is any kind of violence in the world, the importance of Bapu’s motto, ‘Ahimsa’, is remembered,” he said.
“Gujarat is the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, and can be called the land of satyagraha,” he said.
He paid glowing tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in this speech. “The 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel located on the banks of the Narmada, 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.
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 to the country has been exemplary.
Earlier, Gujarat assembly speaker Nima 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.