The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the 43rd edition of the National Group Song competition of patriotic songs organised by the Bharat Vikas Parishad today (December 10, 2017) in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the award winners and commended the half-a-million children who made this competition a virtual campaign by participating at various levels. He also praised the Bharat Vikas Parishad for having organised this group song competition for over 50 years, and for keeping patriotic consciousness alive through this competition.The President said that a strong and united country is built on a solid foundation of patriotic citizens. In order to keep the spirit of patriotism alive, it is necessary to continue to communicate it to future generations. He praised the efforts being made by the Bharat Vikas Parishad to achieve this.