I was looking forward to my first visit to Puducherry since assuming the office of the President of India. I feel extremely delighted to be here. I shall cherish the warm welcome extended to me by the people of Puducherry.

I am delighted to be present here today at the convocation of the University of Madras. I congratulate the medal winners and all students graduating today. I also congratulate the proud parents, guardians and faculty members on this occasion, which is a moment of joy for them also.

I appreciate the faculty, staff and officials, both past and present, of the University of Madras for their commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence.

I extend a warm welcome to you at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is always a pleasure for me to interact with our youth, filled with positive energy and new ideas.

I am very happy to be here with the bright and energetic students of National Law University Odisha in this convocation.

I am delighted to be here at the Combined Graduation Parade of Indian Air Force Officer Trainees. I congratulate all the trainees being commissioned into the different branches of the Indian Air Force. My special congratulations to all the award winners and the champion squadron for their excellent performance. I congratulate the trainees from friendly foreign countries. Their participation strengthens relationships between our countries.

It is an honour and privilege to visit Serbia and speak to business leaders of both countries. At the outset, I thank President Aleksandar Vučić for making this event possible.

India and Serbia have had close and friendly relations since the days of Non-Aligned Movement. It is now time to build on this, and strengthen our trade and economic partnership.

I am delighted to be among you here today. I have an old association with the people of Jharkhand and I find their warmth amazing. I am grateful to you all for your warm welcome and for making me feel as if I am back at home once again.

Om Namah Shivay! I bow to all that is ‘shiva’, which means ‘shubha’, all that is auspicious, gracious, benevolent in this universe.

I feel specially blessed today. Earlier in the day, I had the good fortune of having Darshan of Meenakshi Amman. I prayed before the Mother Goddess for the well-being of all.