As Droupadi Murmu entered the Rashtrapati Bhavan after taking oath as the 15th President of India, she was welcomed with a ceremonial tribute. Her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind, who demitted office on Sunday, accompanied her during the ceremony. An inter-services Guard of Honour and other courtesies were extended to the new President in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Murmu took oath as the 15th President of India in a packed central hall of Parliament earlier in the day, becoming the first tribal woman to assume the country's highest constitutional post. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.
Also read | PM Modi says Droupadi Murmu taking oath as President watershed moment for India
In her first address to the country after assuming the office, Murmu said, “My elevation as President is not just my achievement but that of everyone in the country, that they can dream of reaching this level. Every poor person, every marginalised person has blessed me in this step and I feel honoured. I want to assure women and the youth that their interests are most important to me.”
{{/usCountry}}In her first address to the country after assuming the office, Murmu said, “My elevation as President is not just my achievement but that of everyone in the country, that they can dream of reaching this level. Every poor person, every marginalised person has blessed me in this step and I feel honoured. I want to assure women and the youth that their interests are most important to me.”
{{/usCountry}}Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a “watershed moment for India”.
Murmu, the National Democratic Alliance's presidential candidate – was officially declared the 15th President of the country after the conclusion of the counting of votes on Thursday.
Murmu is the first member of the tribal community and the second woman to hold the top constitutional post in the country.