President to Arrive Today

KOLLAM: President Pratibha Patil will arrive here on Monday as part of her three-day visit to Kerala. Officials said that the President would arrive at the Asramam helipad at 5.15 p.m. She will be welcomed by Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishanan at the helipad. Ministers Shibu Baby John and GaneshKumar, N Peethambara Kurup MP, Mayor, District Collector and City Police Commissioner will also be present at the helipad.  A 41-member team, including President’s husband Devi Singh Shekhavat, officials and mediapersons will accompany the President. President will leave for Kottayam on Tuesday at 11.30 a.m. to attend a function of the Kottayam Catholic Diocese. The President will return to Kollam by 2 p.m. and witness the finals of the President’s Trophy Boat Race (PTBR), from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and would stay back in the city for the night. On Wednesday, the President will leave for Thiruvananthapuram in helicopter. She will inaugurate the IGNOU centre in Thiruvananthapuram.