Thiruvananthapuram Oct 27 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday heaped praise on Kerala for the manner in which the state has developed in all sectors and on a personal note said that it was a "happy irony" that his tenant in Kanpur was also from Kerala a "very nice and straight-forward person".
He showered praises on Kerala on Friday night while speaking at a civic reception organised by the Kerala government.
This was his second visit to Kerala after taking over.
"Kerala s traditions and your very thinking have been humanistic people-oriented and democratic. The emphasis on human development and on healthcare and education here has set an example for the rest of the country " said Kovind.
He pointed out that God s Own Country has an uncommon and important identity as a global face of India.
"This is true in so many ways. Being a coastal state Kerala has led Indian engagement with foreign countries and cultures. It has been at the frontier of trade " said Kovind who arrived earlier in the day on a two-day state visit.
And on a personal note about his love for Keralites Kovind pointed out that he depended on colleagues from Kerala during his career as a lawyer.
"The irony - happy irony I should say - is that part of my home in Kanpur is now occupied by a very nice and straight-forward person from Kerala one George. He has been our tenant for the past 10 years and he is the best tenant anybody can hope to have " added the President.
He had earlier in the day laid the foundation stone for a two lakh sq feet building of the Kerala government at the upcoming 400 acre Technocity campus in the capital city.
The President s praise for the state comes against the backdrop of an aggressive campaign launched by BJP s top leadership specially its President Amit Shah against the Left rule.
--IANS
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