President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Ram Nath Kovind presented the President’s Colours award to the Corps of Army Air Defence at the Gopalpur Military Station near here on Saturday on completion of 25 years of the Army Air Defence College (AADC) at Gopalpur.
Kovind, in his address, recalled the glorious legacy of the Indian Armed Forces in protecting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
The President’s Colours is the highest honour bestowed upon a Regiment of the Armed Forces in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the nation’s security during peace and hostilities.
Earlier on Friday, before heading for the AADC, Kovind had been given a rousing welcome at the Rangeilunda air strip. After arriving at the venue, he was presented the Rashtriya Salute at an impressive parade led by the contingent.
The AADC event was also graced by State Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal.
Kovind then arrived in Bhubaneswar and had, along with his wife Savita Kovind had lunch at the Raj Bhavan before leaving for New Delhi in the afternoon. Governor Prof Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik saw him off at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. Kovind presented a copy of his book “The Republican Ethics” to Patnaik at the airport.
