Kochi, Sunday, December 27, 2009: President Prathiba Patil today arrived at Kochi for a two-day visit to the state. President came via Agatti airport after three day Lakshadweep visit.

Ms. Patil was received at the airport by a host of dignitaries including Governor R S Gavai, Chief Minister V S Achuthananthan, Union minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Union minister of state for agriculture Prof K V Thomas and Vice Admiral K N Sushil, Flag officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command.

After a day’s rest at Ernakulam government guest house, tomorrow President Pratibha Patil would inaugurate the National Conference of the All India Federation of Women Lawyers, at Le Meridien after which she would head to Naval Airport.

However, President has canceled her Hyderabad visit, which was scheduled after the Kochi tour in view of the surcharged atmosphere over the demand for a separate Telangana State