President Ram Nath Kovind today described Andhra Pradesh as "most cherished and dynamic" state which has shown the way to the rest of the country in adoption of technology for social development programmes.
At a felicitation accorded to him by the state government at the SV Arts College Grounds, the president said the people of the state are role model for the country in so many areas of human endeavour.
Farmers from this region have contributed substantially to rice production, among other crops, he said.
Andhra IT and infrastructure companies are famous nationally and internationally, he said.
He said Telugu people are scripting success stories world over. In the United States, the dedication and accomplishments of doctors from Andhra Pradesh have won widespread recognition. "This makes all of us proud," he said.
He said this is his only second visit outside Delhi since being elected as the President. "My first visit had taken me to our valiant soldiers in Leh, in Jammu and Kashmir."
"And I am honoured that my second trip has brought me to Andhra Pradesh, which is one of our most dynamic and cherished states. I am doubly blessed at the opportunity of coming to the sacred soil of Tirupati and getting a darshan of Lord Balaji."
The people and history of Andhra Pradesh are a pride for every Indian. This is a land of great heroes and great achievements, he said.
He mentioned the names of former presidents from the region late Dr S Radhakrishnan, V V Giri and N Sanjeeva Reddy, former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao and late chief minister N T Rama Rao.
The president also mentioned the name of vice president M Venkaiah Naidu.
The president said the state has made rapid progress in many fields under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu since it made a new beginning three years ago.
"Andhra Pradesh's social and economic achievements in the past few years mirror the transformation of India. Yet, as we march forward, we must ensure that this is a journey for all - and not just a journey for some."
He expressed happiness that the state government was taking all measures for the welfare of the poor and marginalised sections of society.
"This is a vision that is in keeping with what the Father of our Constitution, B R Ambedkar, taught us. He emphasised the values of education and human dignity. Benefits of all welfare schemes must reach the last house in the village."
"And the government of India and the government of Andhra Pradesh are jointly striving in this direction. That is why the purpose of my visit here is so personally satisfying for me."
He said the Ambedkar Skills and Training Academy is planned as a modern marvel in Tirupati - a world-class job-oriented centre that will focus on youth from marginalised communities.
In Andhra Pradesh, entrepreneurship is in the DNA of society. This is the energy of youth that Stand-up India seeks to channel, the president said.
The second parallel initiative is the Land Purchase Scheme of the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation that provides agricultural land to women members of traditionally marginalised communities.
Congratulating the Andhra Pradesh government for the initiative, the president said it will not just change the life of an individual woman, but that of an entire family.
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