Thiruvananthapuram: President Ramnath Kovind during his four-day visit, said that Kerala is a model for other states. He was speaking after unveiling the bronze statue of educationist P N Panicker, the chief architect of complete literacy, at Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram.

The ‘Sakshara Keralam’ movement became popular and effective due to the foundations laid down by Shri Panicker. Kerala became the first State to have hundred per cent literacy. The high literacy and education levels in Kerala have had a multiplier effect. Kerala leads other states on several indices of human development, including aspects of sustainable development. Successive governments in Kerala have kept sustained focus on the agenda of growth and development. Therefore, the State has maintained its leadership position on several markers of excellence.

Kerala displays India at its cultural and harmonious best. It has attracted people from all parts of the world, absorbed different cultures and religions while maintaining its distinct features. The people of Kerala have earned respect and goodwill in the rest of India and in different parts of the world.

The enterprising members of the Indian diaspora from Kerala have not only been sending large amounts of remittances home but also kept the prestige of India very high in the lands they have adopted as their work-places.

The service sector professionals from Kerala, especially the nurses and doctors are highly respected and relied upon by people everywhere. Recently, when the Covid-pandemic affected the entire world, nurses and doctors from Kerala were among the most visible Covid-warriors in India, the middle-east and so many other regions on the globe. The people of Kerala enhance the pride of India.

The President will stay at the Raj Bhavan today and return to Delhi on Friday morning.