KR Narayanan's life should inspire us: President

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: President Droupadi Murmu said that everyone should draw inspiration from the life of former President KR Narayanan, who dedicated himself to building a just and compassionate India and to the service of the nation.

She unveiled a half-length statue of KR Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan attended the event. The President said that the life of KR Narayanan is a story of courage, perseverance, and self-confidence. With great dedication and the power of education, he rose to the highest constitutional position in the country.

"He upheld the values of peace, justice, and cooperation. His connection with his home state, Kerala, remained deeply rooted throughout his life. He drew inspiration from the state’s focus on social progress, education, and inclusion. He emphasised the role of education in the development of people and the nation. He believed that human values are essential for the growth of civilisation and are the foundation for the development of society," the President said.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that KR Narayanan was not only the head of the Constitution but also its true guardian. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan remembered him as a leader who devoted his life to the nation and its people, and who gave great importance to constitutional values and Indian culture.

Governor Arlekar’s wife Anagha Arlekar, Ministers V Sivankutty, GR Anil, VN Vasavan, P Prasad, Ramachandran Kadannappally, Speaker AN Shamseer, Mayor Arya Rajendran, MPs Shashi Tharoor, Adoor Prakash, MLA Antony Raju, State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, and several distinguished personalities from political, social, and cultural fields attended the function.

The three-foot-high half-length statue has been installed near the guest house at the Raj Bhavan. The Public Works Department was responsible for its construction, and it was designed by sculptor Sijo under the supervision of Fine Arts College Principal Prof EK Narayanan Kutty.