Bengal one of the leaders of freedom movement: Prez

Kolkata, Nov 28: President Ram Nath Kovind today said Bengal was one of the leaders of the freedom movement and the state must lead this effort for a better India by 2022.

Addressing a civic reception hosted for him by the West Bengal Government at Netaji Indoor Stadium here, Mr Kovind said, ' There are few people anywhere in our country who have not been touched by Bengal or by some creation of Bengal. '
' Somehow, in some manner, this state has touched every Indian and enriched the life of every Indian, ' he addedd.
The President said, Every Indian child has grown up on stories about Bengal or written in Bengal. Bengal has a great history – but it is for each one of us to ensure that Bengal also has a great 
future. ”
' This state was an early industrial and manufacturing centre in our country. Its economy must 
sing again in this age of digital and robotic technologies. Its green fields and hard-working farmers must be equipped with the latest agricultural knowledge to allow them to realise their potential, ' Mr Kovind said.
The President said in 2022, India will be celebrating 75 years as a free country. This will be an occasion to reach certain developmental milestones for our people, and to create a better India.
“ For this, we need to invoke the same idealism and fervour that contributed to our freedom movement, ” he said.
The President said, ' The Government of India has embarked on an ambitious Act East Policy. This involves building connectivity projects and taking economic initiatives. '
“ These will be of mutual benefit to our eastern and Northeastern states as well as to neighbouring countries. The people of Bengal are crucial to this programme, ” he said.
The President said, ' Being a border state gives Bengal certain advantages. It also gives it certain responsibilities. Forces of radicalism and extremism, some of them with cross-border linkages, seek to take advantage of our democratic spaces. We must guard against this. '
West Bengal Governor Kesari Nath Tripathi, Speaker of Bengal Assembly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with luminaries from various fields, felicitated the President.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said, “ We are privileged by the august presence of Kovind. We are honoured that he accepted our invitation, and has visited Bengal within weeks of assuming office. ”
She reminisced the days when they were parliamentary colleagues.
Ms Banerjee said, “ When I was a member of the Lok Sabha, you were a member of the Rajya Sabha. You always maintained a low profile and were always immersed in your work. ”
' The Constitutional post of the President is above religion and deserves respect, ' maintained the chief minister.
She wished the President a long and healthy life. UNI