In his maiden presidential visit to Kochi-Muziris Biennale, President Pranab Mukherjee had a first-hand experience of the spectacular contemporary art event, where he also inaugurated a seminar on 'Importance of sustainable culture building' on March 2. 

In view of security reasons, both Aspinwall House and Cabral Yard were closed for the day, but other Biennale venues were open. Also the entry was free on that day, a KMB press release said .

Kerala Governor Chief Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan address the gathering, while Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran  delivered the welcome address at the function that began at 4 PM

Kochi Corporation Mayor Soumini Jain, Prof KV Thomas MP, KJ Maxi MLA and Kerala Tourism Principal Secretary Dr Venu V were present. The Kochi Biennale Foundation President Bose Krishnamachari delivered the vote of thanks.

After the inaugural function, the seminar on 'Importance of sustainable culture- building' began. Poet Ashok Vajpeyi, Biennale co-founder and artist Riyas Komu and Malayalam poet K Satchidanandan were the panelists, while Prof MV Narayanan moderated the session.