Thiruvananthapuram, 23 October: Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu unveiled the bust of former President Dr. K.R. Narayanan at the Kerala Raj Bhavan gardens, paying rich tributes to one of Bharat’s most distinguished sons. The event marked a moment of reflection on the life and legacy of the late diplomat-statesman, whose journey from humble beginnings to the highest constitutional office continues to inspire generations.
In her address, Rashtrapathi Murmu urged citizens to draw inspiration from Dr. Narayanan’s life, which was dedicated to nation-building and the pursuit of equality. She said his story stood as a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and integrity. “As Bharat marches towards the goal of becoming a developed nation, every citizen especially those from the weaker and marginalised sections must have equal opportunities to realise their dreams,” the President emphasised.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the bust of former President of India, late Shri K R Narayanan and paid floral tributes at Kerala Raj Bhavan. She said that Shri Narayanan has left behind a rich legacy of morality, integrity, compassion, and democratic spirit. The President… pic.twitter.com/DlizWSK4bK
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 23, 2025
The President noted that Dr. Narayanan had empowered himself through perseverance and devotion, rising above adversity to embody the ideals of justice and compassion. “His life remains a role model for all who believe in the power of democracy and constitutional values,” she added.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind, present at the ceremony, praised the initiative as a model for the rest of the country. He suggested that other Raj Bhavans and states emulate this “Kerala Model” by installing memorials honouring their respective sons and daughters who rose to occupy the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Governor of Bihar, Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan, reflected that Dr. Narayanan “lived Dharma in practical life” and was deeply committed to Indian culture and the Constitution. It was during his tenure as Kerala Governor that Dr. Khan had written to then President Ram Nath Kovind proposing that memorials of former Presidents be installed in Raj Bhavans to preserve their memory and legacy, an idea that culminated in today’s event.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar described Dr. Narayanan as “a great son of Kerala who, during his tenure as President, proved himself a strong protector of the Constitution.” The unveiling, he said, was not merely ceremonial but symbolic of Kerala’s respect for its most illustrious son.
The ceremony, the first engagement of President Murmu’s four-day visit to Kerala, was attended by Ram Nath Kovind, Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan, members of the State Cabinet, MPs, MLAs, the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, and the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram.
Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, unveiled the bust of former President of India, Shri K.R. Narayanan at a function held at Raj Bhavan by the presence of former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar & Bihar Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan pic.twitter.com/DAgdM9s6EB
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) October 23, 2025
Dr. K.R. Narayanan (1920–2005), born in Uzhavoor, Kottayam district, overcame poverty and social barriers through academic excellence, securing scholarships to study abroad. Despite facing discrimination in his early years, he rose through the Indian Foreign Service to become India’s Ambassador to the United States and China. Referred to by Jawaharlal Nehru as “the best diplomat of the country,” Dr. Narayanan later served as Vice President (1992–1997) and President of India (1997–2002), becoming the first from a Scheduled Caste community to hold the nation’s highest office.
President Murmu remarked that the bust of Dr. K.R. Narayanan would stand as a lasting symbol of “justice, equality, education, and judicious courage”- values that continue to guide the Republic of India.
