Your Excellency, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete,

President of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Madam Salma Kikwete,

Distinguished Guests,

I am indeed very happy to have this opportuinity of being present amidst you for the Sixth Convocation of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. It is one of the important centres of learning in the higher education landscape of our country.

1.It is my pleasure to be here on this historic occasion to inaugurate the Centenary Celebrations of University of Mysore. It is one of the oldest universities in our country. I am also happy to have the opportunity to visit Mysore. With Chamundi Hills as its backdrop, this city is dotted with beautiful palaces and attractive Indo-Saracenic buildings.

1.It is my privilege to be here this evening to inaugurate the Centenary Celebrations of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). I congratulate you all on your journey so far and reaching this important milestone. I understand this federation was established as the Mysore Chamber of Commerce in 1916 by Sir M. Visvesvaraya. It is today a premier organization for industry, trade and service sectors in Karnataka.

Your Excellency, Mr. Filipe Nyusi,

President of the Republic of Mozambique,

It is my privilege to receive you on your first State Visit to India. On behalf of our Government and people, I extend a warm welcome to you, Madam Isaura Nyusi and the distinguished members of your delegation.

At the outset, I extend a warm welcome to all the participants of the International Conference on 'Inclusive Museums'. The theme for this year’s conference, 'Museums as Civic Spaces', is extremely apt.

Leaders of institutions of higher education; heads of other academic and research institutes; faculty members; dear students:

Fellow citizens:

Excellencies,