It is indeed a pleasure for me to be amidst you on the happy occasion of the inauguration ceremony of India International Trade Fair (IITF) – the flagship event of India Trade Promotion Organisation, that is opening its 33rd edition today.

Trade Fairs of the type and scale of India International Trade Fair have few parallels. IITF – during its course of three decades – has been a successful platform for bringing together nations and furthering international trade relations between the participating countries.

It is indeed a privilege for me to be present amidst you this afternoon at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. This institution is itself the hub of our national research effort in the nuclear domain.

It is indeed a pleasure for me to be present amidst you this evening when this unique publication, "The Light Within” brought out by Ms. Sipra Das has been released by two visually impaired persons and I had the privilege of receiving the first copy.

Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Rural Development,

Dr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman, National Innovation Council,

Delegates of Third Global Innovation Round Table,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a privilege for me to be present amidst you at Air Force Station, Halwara to award Standards to 32 Squadron and 220 Squadron. Both these flying units have a distinguished record of service to our great nation.

Distinguished guests,

It gives me great pleasure to be amongst you today on the occasion of the inauguration of the International Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

It is my privilege to address you in this Ninth Convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur, which is an important centre of technical education in Eastern India.

NIT Durgapur was established as Regional Engineering College in the year 1960 with the legendary Dr. B.C. Roy as its first Chairman of the Board of Governors. With his vision and the support from the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal, this College has grown in stature to become an Institution of National Importance.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is indeed my privilege to be present amongst you on this happy occasion when the Coir Board is celebrating 60 years of it’s existence. At the very outset, I would like to extend to you all my greetings and felicitations.

It is indeed privilege for me to be present amidst this very distinguished gathering to deliver the Foundation Day Lecture of the Union Public Service Commission.

I am delighted to be here today to address this august House.