State Govt's civic reception for President in HP

Himachal Government on Tuesday organised a civic reception in honour of President Ram Nath Kovind at hotel Peterhoff, here.

Accompanied by his wife and first lady of the country, Savita Kovind, he the President thanked the state government and people of the state for warm and rousing welcome.

The President was honoured by the Governor and Chief Minister by presenting a memento, Himachal Cap and Shawl. The President was presented ‘Honour Citation’ (Maan Patra) by Mayor, Municipal Corporation Shimla, Kusum Sadret on the occasion.

Welcoming the President, Governor Acharya Devvrat highlighted the issues of the state and referred to the vice of drug abuse amongst youth, female feticide and lack of effective water management as issues of concern. He also stressed on promotion of zero budget natural farming for increasing farm income and checking soil degradation.

In his welcome speech, chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said Himachal Pradesh apart from being known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ was also 'Veer Bhoomi’ as thousands of youth of the State were serving the Armed Forces with dedication and commitment.  He said that the government was working with a motto of ‘Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas’.

A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion showcasing the rich cultural diversity of all the districts of the State.

Speaker Vidhan Sabha, Rajiv Bindal, former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Ministers, Deputy Speaker, MLAs, formers Ministers and MLAs, senior civil, military and police officers were present on the occasion.