 "People of Bengal have always been cultured, progressive: Prez Murmu")
President Droupadi Murmu, on her maiden visit to West Bengal on Monday said that the people of the state have always been cultured and progressive.
"The people of Bengal are cultured and progressive. The land of Bengal has given birth to immortal revolutionaries on one hand and prominent scientists on the other. From politics to the justice system, from science to philosophy, from spirituality to sports, from culture to business, from journalism to literature, cinema, music, drama, painting and other art forms, Bengal's remarkable pioneers have found new ways and methods in many fields," she said on the first day of her visit to the state.
Murmu attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of West Bengal in Kolkata.
Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the government and the people of West Bengal for the warm welcome.
President further lauded the state saying that sacrifice and martyrdom, culture and education have been the life ideals in the land of Bengal.
"Even after reaching the highest pinnacle of success, the people of Bengal maintain their connection with their soil and keep on increasing the glory of Mother India. The people of Bengal have always given priority to the ideals of social justice, equality and self-respect," she added.
The President expressed her happiness noting that a street on the former East Esplanade, in Kolkata has been named 'Sido-Kanhu-Dahar'.
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"Such initiatives give strength to the ideals of our freedom struggle, especially to the self-confidence and self-pride of our tribal brothers and sisters," Murmu said.
Murmu reached Kolkata on Monday for her two-day visit to the state.
President Murmu will visit Belur Math today, according to the official statement of the President's House.
"She will also grace the celebration of the completion of 80 years of UCO Bank in Kolkata," the release said.
Later, the President will visit Shantiniketan where she will grace the annual convocation of Visva-Bharati.