''I am touched by the warm and colourful welcome you have accorded to me today. The songs and dances of Mizoram will forever remain in my heart,'' she said to a thunderous applause. The civic reception included exhibition of handloom and handicraft items, flower-expo and cultural programme.
The President, accompanied by her husband and 41 officials, arrived at Lengpui Airport around 1300 hrs.
She will address the sixth convocation of Mizoram University tomorrow and leave for Tripura for a two-day visit.
In her speech, she congratulated Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, in particular, and the people of Mizoram for their total involvement in restoration of peace in Mizoram, after 20 years of turmoil.
''All of us have to work collectively and to the best of our abilities to build a new, strong and resurgent India. In this context, I would like to mention that Mizoram has gradually grown into a vibrant state with positive indicators of progress and development,'' she said.
Congratulating Mizoram for attainting a literacy rate of 89 per cent, second only to Kerala, the President said she was confident that the state was capable of attaining 100 per cent literacy.