It is my privilege to be here today for the inauguration of the Conference of Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, Directors of Institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Progressive Farmers. I thank Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, for inviting me to this important Conference. I am glad to have this opportunity to address a distinguished gathering of public leaders, agriculture research managers, scientists and educationists.

It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the presentation of the National Awards instituted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.

My Fellow Citizens:

On the eve of 65th Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to all of you in India and abroad. I convey my special greetings to members of our Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Internal Security Forces.

I am indeed happy and appreciative of Chief Election Commissioner and his colleagues for inviting me on the fourth National Voters' Day to share some of my perceptions with this very distinguished audience.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to be here today to inaugurate this important Asia-Africa Agri-business Forum.

Your Excellency,

President Joachim Gauck,

President of the Federal Republic of Germany,

Madame Daniela Schadt,

Shri Mohammed Hamid Ansari, H’ble Vice President of India,

I am delighted to be here amongst you all for the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Advocates’ Association of Western India. I congratulate each one of you on your Association crossing this significant milestone.

I am indeed happy to be present amidst you on the occasion of unveiling of the photographs of the Presidents of the Central Legislative Assembly and the portraits of the former Speakers of the Lok Sabha today.

It is my privilege to be here today to inaugurate the World Congress on Agro-forestry. To begin with, let me extend a very heartly welcome to all the distinguished delegates from abroad.