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'My election is proof that...': Droupadi Murmu in her 1st address as president
President Droupadi Murmu flagged the interests of women and youth as matters of importance, and said she would strive to work for them during her term in office.
Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th president of India Monday morning in a brief but solemn ceremony at the Parliament in Delhi, with chief justice NV Ramana administering the oath of office and senior political figures from across party lines in attendance. Addressing parliament as India's new president, Murmu said: "My election proves poor Indians can not just dream but also fulfil aspirations'. President Murmu also said that it is a source of satisfaction for her that 'those who have been deprived for centuries, who have been away from the benefits of development... are seeing their reflection in me'.
"Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor (person) in India. My election is proof the poor in India can dream and make them come true. It is the power of our democracy that in that a daughter born in a poor house, a daughter born in a remote tribal area, can reach the highest constitutional post of India."
"It is a matter of great satisfaction for me that those who have been deprived for centuries, who have been away from the benefits of development, those poor, downtrodden, backward and tribals are seeing their reflection in me," India's new president said.
READ | President Murmu to focus on the marginalised: Top quotes
President Droupadi Murmu also flagged the interests of women and youth as matters of importance, and said she would strive to work for them in her term.
"This election of mine includes the blessings of the poor of the country, a glimpse of the dreams and potential of crores of women and daughters of the country," she said.
"Today, I assure all the countrymen, especially the youth of India and the women of India, that while working in this position, their interests will be paramount for me."
READ | Droupadi Murmu is India's 15th President, first tribal leader in office
President Droupadi Murmu - who is the first member of a tribal community to hold the nation's highest office - also flagged the contributions of the Santhal kranti, or rebellion, and tribal leader Birsa Munda to Indian independence.
"From the Santhal revolution, Paika revolution to Kol revolution and Bhil revolution, the tribal contribution in the freedom struggle was further strengthened. We were inspired by the sacrifice of 'Dharti Aaba' Lord Birsa Munda ji for social upliftment and patriotism," she said.
READ | President-elect Murmu pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
The president also spoke about living in harmony with nature.
"I have been born in that tribal tradition which has carried on life in harmony with nature for thousands of years. I have realised the importance of forests and water bodies in my life. We take necessary resources from nature and serve nature with equal reverence," she said.
Droupadi Murmu, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's pick, was elected to succeed Ram Nath Kovind as president of India last week, defeating Yashwant Sinha, the opposition candidate.
READ | Droupadi Murmu creates history, elected first tribal president
She is not only India's first tribal leader to be president, but also only the second woman. Murmu is also the first president born in independent India.
