New Delhi: Reaching the Presidential post is achievement of every poor in India, President Droupadi Murmu said in her first address to the nation after being sworn in as the 15th President of India in the Central Hall of Parliament House on Monday.
“It is the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house, a daughter born in a remote tribal area, can reach the highest constitutional post of India.
“Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor in India. My nomination is evidence that the poor in India can dream and also fulfill them,” she said.
“I belong to the tribal community, and I have had the opportunity to become the President of India from a ward councillor. This is the greatness of India….,” she said.
She said that it is a matter of great satisfaction for her that those who have been deprived for centuries, who have been away from the benefits of development, the poor, Dalits, Backwards and Adivasis are seeing their reflection in her.
Her focus will be on the rights of youth and the women of the country — “those will be my priority from now in this position”, she said.
Ahead of the Kargil Vijay Diwas on Tuesday, Murmu said the day “is a symbol of both the valour and restraint of the our armed forces. I extend my greetings in advance to the forces of the country and to all the citizens of the country on this occasion. These were Murmu’s first words to her forces as she became their Supreme Commander.
She also told the nation that she started her political carrer as India turned 50 as an independent nation and now as it completes 75th year, she has turned President, a proud moment.
Ahead of the swearing in ceremony, Murmu paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. She offered floral tributes to the Father of Nation here.
She arrived at the Parliament House from Rashtrpati Bhawan along with outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind.
They were welcomed by Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, CJI NV Ramana and others upon arrival.
Murmu was administered Oath of Office by the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.
Murmu exchanged the seat with the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind. She also signed the oath register placed before her by the secretary to the President.
On the conclusion of the Ceremony in the Central Hall, the President left for Rashtrapati Bhavan where an Inter-Services Guard of Honour was accorded to her in the Forecourt and courtesies were extended to the outgoing President. (UNI)
