President Ram Nath Kovind, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, addressed the sixth convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Jammu on Wednesday and strongly condemned the horrific Kathua gangrape-murder, saying that an incident like this happening in a country that’s 70 years into its Independence is shameful.

“After 70 years of independence, such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure that such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman,” said President Kovind.

“The most beautiful thing in this world is the smiling face of a child. And the security of our children is the greatest success of our society. It is a responsibility of the society to give security and a sense of safety to them,” the President said.

Highlighting Indian women’s contribution and success in different fields,  including the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, Kovind said that the “daughters of India”,  including Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana  and Heena Sidhu from Punjab,  have brought laurels to the country.

The President added the success of a society lay in the kind of protection it provides to its children.

President Kovind arrived in Jammu on Wednesday on his two-day maiden visit to the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. He is being accompanied by First Lady Savita Kovind.

The president was received by Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Legislative Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta and Legislative Council Chairman Haji Anayat Ali at the technical airport here, a spokesperson said.

Jammu & Kashmir Governor Shri N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister @MehboobaMufti received #PresidentKovind on his arrival in Jammu. This is #PresidentKovind‘s second visit to Jammu & Kashmir as President of India pic.twitter.com/ailVX46RBa

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 18, 2018

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh and Revenue Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri were among those who received the President.

The founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Munjal Auto Engineering Limited, Sudhir Munjal, would be conferred honorary doctorate by SMVDU on the occasion.

A civic reception would be held at the Amar Mahal Lawns in Jammu to honour Kovind later in the day.

The president would meet Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Ramalingam Sudhakar and other judges over breakfast here.

(With inputs from agencies)