RAIPUR: President Ramnath Kovind, while speaking at the valedictory function of Rajyotsav-2017 at Naya Raipur as a chief guest on Sunday, said that the observance of the day might not have been possible without the supreme sacrifice made by the jawans of the paramilitary forces and the state police.
"Over 1100 personnel were killed in the (Maoist) violence in the state. The figure is very high. I believe we might possibly be not celebrating the occasion of Rajyotsav today, had the jawans not sacrificed their lives for peace", the President affirmed.
He offered homage at the shahid smarak (Martyrs' Memorial) at Mana CRPF camp after landing in Raipur. He said that the growth and development achieved by Chhattisgarh state during the last 17 years are commendable and could be an example for other states in the country.
President Kovind gave away the annual 'Rajya Alankaran' (state-level felicitation awards) to 18 eminent personalities and social organisations for their outstanding contribution in different spheres of life in Chhattisgarh.
All the ministers of Raman cabinet, MPs, senior officials were also present during the felicitation ceremony.
The president is scheduled to visit Giroudhpuri Dham, the birthplace of Satnami spiritual leader Guru Ghasidas, on Monday.
"I had asked the chief minister Raman Singh to make arrangement for my visit to Giroudhpuri and he happily agreed", Kovind said.