President Ram Nath Kovind, who is on a one-day visit to Kerala, arrived at the Air Force technical area around 9:30 AM in Trivandrum. The President took the salute at the Guard of Honor in pouring rain.
Kovind was welcomed Kerala Governor P Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other cabinet members. This is the President’s first visit to Kerala after assuming office.
The President is in Kerala to be a part of spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi’s (known as AMMA) 64th birthday celebrations. He will also be launching three welfare schemes, initiated by the Amritanandamayi Math.
He said that Kerala is a role model for religious harmony in the country and that it was a pleasure to see how many religions coexist in harmony.
Kerala is also a state that protects it's cultural and traditional values, he added.
President Kovind was seen standing on the dais to take the salute despite heavy rains. Though the security officials offered him a cover, the President refused and stood without an umbrella.
Mata Amritanandamayi, a spiritual leader in Kerala. Has a global network of charity organisations. Many dignitaries and big names, including politicians and film stars, have visited Amma in her Ashram at Kollam in the past.
After attending the function at Amrithapuri in Kollam district, the President would return to Delhi on Sunday afternoon.
(With inputs from IANS)