Tipu a great warrior: President Ram Nath Kovind

Karnataka has been known through history for spiritualism as much as science, for its farmers as much as its technologists.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday endorsed controversial Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, saying the Sultan died historic death fighting the British.

President praised Tipu Sultan's sacrifice while addressing a joint session of Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council on 60th anniversary of Vidhan Soudha.

He said, "Tipu Sultan died historic death fighting British. He also pioneered in use of Mysore rockets in warfare".

Highlighting the diversity in the state, he said, "This is a land with ancient Jain and Buddhist traditions. Adi Shankaracharya founded the math in Sringeri."

"Gulbarga is a centre of Sufi culture. The reformist Lingayat movement under Basavacharya was located in Karnataka," he added.

CM Siddaramaiah congratulated the President for his address to the legislature.

He tweeted,"Congratulations to Hon. President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind for a statesman like address to the Karnataka legislature."

He further said that Karnataka has been known through history for spiritualism as much as science, for its farmers as much as its technologists.

The President heaped praise on state's contribution to the Indian Army. "Two of our finest army chiefs - Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya - were sons of Karnataka," he said.

At the outset, President said he was humbled to follow in footsteps of then President Rajendra Prasad, who had inaugurated the Vidhan Soudha in October 1956.

In an advice to the lawmakers, President said, "Legislature is a place to discuss, dissent and finally decide. It is an embodiment of the will, aspirations and hopes of people. Once elected, the MLA or MLC represents the entire constituency and not just those who have voted for him or her."

President Ram Nath Kovind praises Tipu Sultan

President praised Tipu Sultan's sacrifice while addressing a joint session of Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council on 60th anniversary of Vidhan Soudha. PTI photo

Joint session of the Karnataka Legislature

President Ram Nath Kovind addressing the joint session of the Karnataka Legislature to commemorate the the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru on Wednesday. PTI Photo

President Ramnath Kovind meets MLAs

President Ramnath Kovind meets MLAs after addressing the joint session of Karnata Legislature, as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the State Assembly building "Vidhan Soudha", in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is also seen. PTI Photo

Colourful display of Vidhan Soudha

At the outset, President said he was humbled to follow in footsteps of then President Rajendra Prasad, who had inaugurated the Vidhan Soudha in October 1956.

President pays homage to Kempe Gowda statue

President Ramnath Kovind paid homage to Kempe Gowda statue at NR Square. Governor Vajubhai Rudhabhai Wala, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attended the occasion. Courtesy: Karnataka Varthe

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