Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Nov 19: President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has urged the legislators to be sincere, responsible and accountable in discharging services to the state and common people.
President Kovind, who is on his maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh after being elected as President of India, was addressing the Legislative Assembly on Sunday evening after inaugurating the new Legislative Assembly building at Itanagar.
“You are the representatives of the people of your respective constituencies. It is your solemn duty to work for their betterment and development”, President Kovind said, asking the legislators to continue upholding the principle of democracy.
Extolling the magnificent Legislative Assembly building, the President said, “I have never been to such a magnificent and spacious state Assembly ever in any Indian state. Your legislative Assembly is monumental; it could accommodate hundreds of legislators”.
“Have space in your heart for the welfare of your own people, like this spacious Assembly Hall”, the President added.
He further lauded Ashok Chakra awardee, late Havildar Hangpan Dada, whose supreme sacrifice is inspirational to millions of Indians as well as to the region.
“His story of valour and sacrifice for the cause of the nation would inspire many youths of the nation” he said.
He also highlighted the numerous developmental packages taken up by the Government of India in recent years, including introduction of railway link with Itanagar and Advance Landing Ground (ALGs) in many strategic locations.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr B D Mishra termed the President’s address to the Legislative Assembly as historic for Arunachal Pradesh. The Governor also exuded hope that legislators would uphold the democratic principle for the betterment of the state.
Welcoming the President of India into the Assembly Hall, Legislative Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok exhorted that a public building of this magnificence needs to be energized with vibrancy and vigour.
He informed the members that President Kovind is a living testimony to how perseverance can raise people from a pit to a pedestal.
The members later gave a standing ovation to the President of India for his hard work and towering personality to reach the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
